Pentacene thin-film transistors encapsulated by a thin alkane layer operated in an aqueous ionic environment.

The encapsulation of pentacene thin-film transistors (TFTs) by a 50 nm thick layer of a long chain alkane (C₄₄H₉₀) enables the operation in an aqueous solution of 1 mM NaCl. It is the first time that pentacene TFTs operate successfully in a liquid environment. This opens new perspectives for biocompatible sensor devices based on pentacene TFTs.