A tool-box strategy for layer-by-layer assembly of ultrathin hybrid films from graphene oxide and chromophores for organic electronics

A combinatorial interfacial assembly method was developed for fabrication functionally different 2D hybrids by using the same starting set of components comprising graphene oxide, perylene chromophore, polydiacetylene surfactant and nickel nitrate as a source of divalent ions. The components were assembled through either hydrogen or coordination bonding into layered nanofilms with a thickness 8-20 nm to integrate them into conventional ITO-based solar cells. Depending on their composition, the hybrids provide different operational characteristics to the resulting devices. The combination of graphene oxide with the light-absorbing polymer provides photovoltaic properties, whereas the adding of nickel transforms the hybrid into the monopolar conductive layers. The combination of two chromophores gives a multipurpose nanoelement, which performs as either non-linear resistor, diode or photodiode. This strategy can be easily extended to other combinations of chemical tools for the design of various hybrid nanofilms with desirable functional properties for organic electronics.