Water-gated polymer thin-film transistors (WG-PTFTs) fabricated by a simple procedure can be operated at an ultralow voltage, whereby the WG-PTFTs with molecular recognition units allow chemical sensing. Upon the addition of analytes, the electric double layer capacitance of the WG-PTFTs can be changed by accumulation and desorption of charged species at the interface of the semiconductor and electrolytes. For example, the WG-PTFTs have successfully detected biogenic amines and a herbicide glyphosate. In short, our proposed WG-PTFTs are among the most promising platforms for sensing applications based on π-conjugated polymer materials.
- Tsuyoshi Minami
- Wei Tang
- Koichiro Asano