Self-assembled micro-patterns in uphill-diffusion solution system

Abstract

In this work we present self-organized regular patterns in a solution system through uphill-diffusion. Micrometer thick organic semiconductor solution is sandwiched between a substrate and cover-plate. Self-assembled regular patterns can be observed on the substrate after solvent evaporation. Different micro-patterns and pattern defects were displayed and analyzed. Mechanisms of defect formation, mode selection process during patten generation, and pattern sedimentation onto substrate from solution were proposed. Organic thin film transistors were fabricated with the assembled line patterns which demonstrate a promising way to produce patterned micro/nano materials.

Keywords: non-equilibrium; organic semiconductor; phase transition; self-assembling; turing pattern.