Northwestern University chemists have designed organic molecules that self-assemble into an ultra-thin layer (less than six nanometers thick) for use in the dielectric, or nonconducting, component of a transistor.

Their tailored molecular components reduce both operating voltage and power consumption in organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) structures, making low-power consumption OTFTs a reality.

“This means having plastic electronics the size of a pen battery — rather than an automobile battery — power your cell phone,” said Tobin J. Marks, Professor of Chemistry and professor of materials science and engineering. “And, instead of being carved out of silicon, transistor structures would be printed in a fashion similar to that of newspapers, but with organic molecules as the ink and plastic as the paper. Much as the New York Times prints a different edition of the newspaper every day, we could flexibly print a wide variety of electronic devices quickly, easily and cheaply.”

Northwestern University news release