Adjusting tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) functionality through molecular design for organic field-effect transistors

Abstract

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) has become one of the most studied heterocyclic systems since its discovery. TTF and some of its derivatives have semiconducting properties, providing promising potential for their application in organic electronics. In this review, the molecular structures, devices and optoelectronic properties of TTF are discussed. Single crystals of TTF show phase dependence with a high mobility of up to 1.2 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. However, TTF itself is not stable under ambient conditions due to its low oxidation potential. The modification of the side chains of TTF is a solution to allow for its application in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with low cost, good air stability and high charge carrier mobility. Four types of TTF derivatives are introduced, and their molecules, morphologies and performance are summarized. Organic charge transfer compounds based on TTF and its derivatives are also discussed in this review.