In-situ observation of electric-field-induced acceleration in crystal growth of tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyanoquinodimethane

Abstract

In-situ observations of vapor-phase growth of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) crystals under an electric field were conducted without influencing the actual crystal growth process. The shortest incubation time of TTF-TCNQ nuclei and the highest initial growth rate of the crystals are obtained on the anode side and in high electric field regions. It is demonstrated that the distribution of molecules thermally diffusing on the substrate surface is controlled by an external electric field. These results indicate the potential for selective growth of highly conductive organic wires for micro- and nanoscale wiring in organic nanodevices.