Novel in-line method for patterned deposition of conductive structures

We report on a novel method for patterned deposition of conductive polymers, which is derived from and fully compatible with fast in-line printing methods. The method is aimed at improving resolution, homogeneity and edge sharpness of printed conductive structures for applications in the field of printed electronics. The surface energy of a foil substrate, which has been increased by means of corona treatment, was reduced in selected areas through contact with materials that have suitable surface properties and can be patterned at micrometer scale (i.e. printing plates). A conductive fluid was sprayed onto the chemically heterogeneous surface. The fluid accumulated at areas with higher surface energy. After the drying process, the conductive polymer structures were used as source/drain contacts for the preparation of OFETs.