Supermolecules Group

This study demonstrates the n-type doping of an organic semiconducting polymer using aqueous doping solutions in air (Fig. 1) [ 1 ]. Polymeric semiconductor thin films are immersed in these solutions, which contain the carbohydrate fructose, the redox bio-mediator flavin nucleotide (FMN) and large molecular cations. During this process, electrons are transferred from the fructose to the FMN, and then from the FMN to the organic semiconductor thin films.

These results suggest that our method could contribute to the development of advanced organic devices using ambient p- and n-type doping for various applications, including thermoelectric generators and devices requiring stable yet low-work-function electron transport layers. Moreover, the observed electron transfer between biomolecules and semiconductors creates new opportunities for energy storage, transfer and conversion.