An array of inkjet-printed metal-oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) is demonstrated for the first time with the assistance of surface-energy patterns prepared by printing pure solvent to etch the ultrathin hydrophobic layer. The surface-energy patterns not only restrained the spreading of inks but also provided a facile way to regulate the morphology of metal oxide films without optimizing ink formulation. The fully printed InGaO TFT devices in the array exhibited excellent electron transport characteristics with a maximum mobility of 11.7 cm2 V-1 s-1, negligible hysteresis, good uniformity, and good stability under bias stress. The new route lights a general way toward fully inkjet-printed metal-oxide TFT arrays.
Keywords: Cytop; inkjet printing; metal oxide; surface-energy patterns; thin-film transistors.