A team of researchers led by Prof. LOH Kian Ping at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has made a significant breakthrough in materials science by developing two-dimensional all-organic perovskites. This innovation could revolutionize electronics, particularly in the field of 2D electronic devices.
Perovskites, traditionally known for their use in solar cells and lighting, have a unique structural capability that allows for the tuning of their properties by adjusting their chemical composition. Prof. Loh’s team, which includes Dr. Kathy LENG and Dr. Hwa Seob CHOI, the first author of the study, has extended this concept into the realm of all-organic materials, where all components are organic molecules.
The new class of perovskites, termed the “Choi-Loh-v phase” or CL-v, is composed of molecularly thin layers, making them potentially game-changing for applications requiring thin, flexible materials. These layers are held together by van der Waals forces, similar to those that bind the layers of graphite. This unique structure was confirmed through high-resolution electron microscopy conducted at cryogenic temperatures.
Unlike their three-dimensional counterparts, these 2D perovskites are more adaptable and can be integrated into electronics more easily due to their flexibility and solution-processability. During their research, the team discovered that the dielectric constants of these materials range from 4.8 to 5.5, outperforming traditional materials like silicon dioxide and hexagonal boron nitride. This property is particularly advantageous for electronic devices that require high-performance dielectric layers.
The PolyU team demonstrated the practical application of these perovskites by incorporating the CL-v phase as a dielectric layer in a transistor that utilizes molybdenum sulfide as the channel material. This setup resulted in enhanced control over the current flow in the device, showcasing the potential of 2D organic perovskites in next-generation electronics.
This research not only opens up new pathways in the synthesis of organic materials but also highlights the potential of 2D organic perovskites in creating more efficient and versatile electronic systems.
