Inkjet printing and nanoscale electrocrystallization: Complete fabrication of organic microcrystals-based devices under ambient conditions

We report the first successful attempt at complete device fabrication under ambient conditions using inkjet printing and nanoscale electrocrystallization. Three different electrode patterns-parallel-type, multiparallel, and multitip patterns-are prepared using inkjet patterning. The printed electrodes, which have gaps of similar to 20 mu m, are produced using a material printer. Indium tin oxide and gold inks are used for printing, and the electrodes are printed on silicon and glass substrates. Next, using these printed electrodes, micro- or nanocrystals are synthesized through nanoscale electrocrystallization. Owing to the surface roughness of the electrodes, the manner of crystal growth is slightly different from that in the case of lithographically formed electrodes; however, the morphology of the grown crystals is similar. In addition, the nanocrystals-based bridge structure formed between the two electrodes by AC electrolysisis similar to that obtained using lithographically formed electrodes. Further, the two-terminal device shows ohmic characteristics, indicating that there is good contact between the electrode and obtained crystal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.