In the case of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), the study reveals that when the devices are switched on, a wavefront of ions races across the transistor, followed by more charge-bearing particles invading the transistor’s flexible structure, causing it to swell slightly and bringing current up to operational levels.
Penetration of Ions and Charge-Bearing Particles
The researchers found that as the devices are switched on, a wavefront of ions races across the transistor, with more charge-bearing particles then invading the transistor’s flexible structure. This causes the transistor to swell slightly, which in turn brings the current up to operational levels. The team’s findings provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying the operation of these promising devices, which have potential applications in bioelectronics, neuromorphic computing, and more.