nanotubes/graphene; these carbon nanostructures may disrupt the
pp intermolecular stacking of the conjugated polymer matrix
[22e25,29]. The challenges of sorting semiconducting and metallic
carbon nanotube along with controlling bandgap energy of those
carbonclass nanomaterials still frustrate future developments. In
contrast, only a few studies have discussed the suitability of inor
ganic nanostructures such as nanocrystals [30,31], tetrapods [32]
and nanowires [33e35].
Here we present a new combination of solutionprocessed
nanocomposite FETs based on a dual layer active channel of
intrinsic silicon (Si) nanowires and organic semiconducting poly(3
hexylthiophene) (P3HT) polymers. The former owing to unique
onedimensional structure, semiconductive and electrically/
chemically tunable properties has attracted extensive attentions on
opto/electronic, sensing, and energy conversion/storage applica
tions. The latter has often been employed as pchannel semi
conductors and light absorbing electron donors, with low cost
processability on large areas by spincoating or inkjet printing.
With regard to their uniqueness, we propose that a new type of
transistor active channel obtained through the addition of semi
conducting nanowires into polymeric matrixes may offer a signif
icant impact in charge transport. Our preliminary results reveal that
the effective eld effect mobilities of dual layer Si nanowireP3HT
nanocomposite transistors are increased by a factor of more than
six compared to that of pristine P3HT FETs. The loading effects of Si
nanowire on the FET characteristics and the device stability in
ambient air conditions are also investigated.