Crown ether-containing derivative of [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene for receptor layers of electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistors

Abstract

We have demonstrated that electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistors (EGOFETs) with the semiconductor layer based on [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene and the receptor layer containing 4,13-diaza-18-crown-6 ether can be used as sensors for sodium or potassium ions in solution. The proposed method for fabrication of the receptor layer allows developing a universal platform for the detection of various metal ions using crown ether structures. The EGOFETs with the receptor layer described in this work can operate in electrolyte solutions of high ionic strength, thus providing the possibility to detect sodium and potassium ions in real biological fluid samples.