Negative differential resistance based on electron injection/extraction in conducting organic films

This work reports a mechanism of negative differential resistance (NDR) observed for perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-3,4,9,10-dianhydride (PTCDA) films. The NDR is based on electron injection and extraction at the metal/PTCDA interface, and is governed by the joint effect of electronic and ionic components. Consequently, the NDR behavior exhibits a monotonous dependence on the voltage scan rate, and the number of NDR peaks is also sensitive to the work function of metal electrodes. The results provide further understanding on the diverse manifestation of NDR, and would be useful in organic electronic applications.