Supramolecular TriArylamine NanoWires as metal-like active layers for organic electronics – STANWs

Our daily life will be more and more surrounded by electronic devices involving organic components being flexible, biocompatible, multifunctional, energy friendly, cheap, and of growing impact for consumer and portable electronics. Recently, we have found that i) organic interconnects involving a new class of supramolecular triarylamines nanowires (STANWs) can bridge metallic electrodes through a unique self-fabricating process triggered by light, and that ii) outstanding transport performances of the STANWs approach those of sorted metallic carbon nanotubes, but with a much easier processability. Following our discovery (properly protected in two patent applications – French FR1058954 (29/10/2010) and Provisional US US61/418645 (01/12/2010), the goal of this project is to extend the use of these self-assemblies for the fabrication a new type of organic active films for optoelectronic devices, with electrical properties reaching for the first time those of metals. The concept of self-constructing conducting organic interconnects beyond pure carbon structures is a disruptive technology that needs validation and proof of applicability in the field of organic electronics.
This interdisciplinary project aims therefore at realizing i) large surfaces of STANWs-based active layers between electrodes and/or ii) STANWs-based interface layers between an electrode and an active layer made of known semi-conducting polymers. This will put the STANWs proof-of-principle towards the current organic electronics technology, with new possibilities for miniaturisation and low power applications, which are key driving processes for developing new products in the information technology field. The coordination will ensured by the team of Professor Nicolas Giuseppone, who has pioneered the molecular and supramolecular chemistry of STANWs, and who has discovered the unique relationship that exist between their light-sensitivity, their hierarchical self-assembly features, and their electronic-transport properties. The physicist team partner will be represented by Professor Bernard Doudin, who is internationally recognized in spin electronics and metal-organic interfaces, and who has first characterized the extraordinary STANWs conducting performances.