Engineered growth of organic crystalline films using liquid crystal solvents.
Thin films of organic molecular crystals have drawn widespread attention for their scientifically interesting and potentially useful electronic, photonic, and chemical properties. However, because their properties are extremely sensitive to structural imperfections, domain size, and crystallographic orientation, preparation of high-quality thin films with controlled microstructural organization under technologically favorable conditions has long been a bottleneck toward practical applications and better controlled fundamental studies. Here a technique is introduced combining atmospheric pressure vapor-phase deposition with solution-phase growth in a thin layer of thermotropic liquid crystal solvent. The method produces relatively large crystals, enables control over crystallographic orientation and growth habit, and involves mild processing conditions compatible with a variety of substrates and organic materials. Results are presented for the organic semiconductor tetracene, along with a discussion of film growth and alignment mechanisms.
Wilkinson
F Scott
FS
Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
Norwood
Ronald F
RF
McLellan
Joseph M
JM
Lawson
L Rhys
LR
Patrick
David L
DL
D000080:Acetals / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry; D007094:Imides / Q000737:chemistry; D050866:Liquid Crystals / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009279:Naphthacenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014835:Volatilization
D000080:Acetals; D007094:Imides; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009279:Naphthacenes; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents; C016067:polyacetal; D012825:Silicon