Hybrid electronic device based on polyaniline-polyethyleneoxide junction

A three-electrode hybrid molecular electronic element based on polyaniline (PANI) emeraldine base-polyethylene oxide/LiCl was fabricated and tested. Source and drain electrodes were connected to the conducting polymer layer. Solid electrolyte was deposited as a narrow stripe over the PANI film, and the third electrode (gate), maintained at ground potential, was attached to it. Drain and gate currents were measured during a drain voltage sweep. Drain voltage-current characteristics revealed a rectifying behavior, while gate characteristics were similar to those for cyclic voltammograms. Such behavior was attributed to the electrochemical control of the redox state (and hence of conductivity) of PANI area under the solid electrolyte. The device was stable and reproducible with robust electrical characteristics. In particular, an asymmetry in time relaxation due to ion diffusion was found; a possible application of this to the use of this device in adaptive conducting networks is proposed. © 2005 American Institute of Physics