Two-component heterojunction-based ambipolar field effect transistors for improved sensitivity of ammonia sensor

To improve the sensing response of ammonia (NH3) sensors, a two-dimensional configuration molecule 5,11-di-naphthalen-2-yl-6,12-dihydro-indolocarbazole (ICZ-NA) was designed and synthesized as the p-channel organic semiconductor material. Bilayer organic field-effect transistor (OFET) was constructed with ICZ-NA and N,N’-bis(n-octyl)-2,6-dicyanonaphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide (NDI-8CN2) as p-type and n-type active semiconductor materials respectively, and the two-component devices exhibits excellent ambipolar FET performance. The thin film transistors based on single-component and two-component were further used as sensors for ammonia detection. Compared with the sensors based on NDI-8CN2, the sensitivity and selectivity of ammonia detection based on two-component sensors have been greatly improved, and the ratio of current change can still be maintained over 3.65 %, when the gas concentration lower to 10 ppb level. The higher sensing response and low limit of detection demonstrate that the two-component ambipolar configuration is a highly effective method for improving sensing response capability. [Display omitted] •A novel two-dimensional configuration molecule ICZ-NA was synthesized as the p-channel organic semiconductor material.•Bilayer OFETs were constructed with ICZ-NA and NDI-8CN2 as p-type and n-type semiconductor materials respectively.•The two-component bilayer devices exhibit excellent ambipolar FET performance.•The ambipolar OFET sensors show better sensitivity and selectivity to NH3 detection.•The limit of detection for NH3 gas can be lower to 10 ppb.