Zn(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes of a new thiophene-based salphen-type ligand: solution-processable high-performance field-effect transistor materials

Abstract

A new thiophene-based salphen-type ligand, 1, and its Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes, 1·Cu and 1·Zn·MeOH, were designed and synthesized. These metal organic complexes (MOCs), with ultra-close π-stacking interactions were explored as a novel class of active materials for organic field effect transistors (OFETs). The top-contact bottom gated OFETs fabricated from solution-processed thin films of 1·Cu and 1·Zn·MeOH exhibited excellent p-type mobilities (up to 0.7 and 1.5 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively).