Single-Polymer Multi-Valued Logic Enabled by Sequential Electrostatic-to-Electrochemical Doping

초록

Multi-valued logic (MVL) offers a promising approach to overcoming the intrinsic limitations of binary computing by enhancing data density at the device level. However, achieving stable and well-defined multi-level logic states within a single semiconductor channel layer remains a significant challenge. In this work, we demonstrate a ternary inverter based on a two-step doping mechanism in a single polymer semiconductor channel incorporated into an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). The device exhibits a robust intermediate conduction state characterized by zero-differential transconductance (ZDT). The face-on molecular orientation and dense alkyl side-chain packing initially impede ion penetration, giving rise to surface-confined electrostatic gating at low gate voltages (V G), before transitioning to bulk volumetric electrochemical doping at higher V G. This sequential doping mechanism yields a wide and stable ZDT plateau, an effect that is less pronounced in polymer semiconductors adopting edge-on orientations or amorphous microstructures. This work highlights the critical role of molecular orientation and side-chain packing in realizing distinct multi-level logic states, offering design guidelines for MVL circuits.

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