Synthesis, Characterization, Supramolecular Self-Assembly, and Organic Resistive Memory Applications of BODIPY Derivatives

A new class of BODIPY conjugated molecules modified with hydrophobic alkoxy chains or hydrophilic triethylene glycol chains has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. Supramolecular self-assembly behaviors of the compounds investigated by temperature-dependent ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption studies are found to display a cooperative growth mechanism with the formation of uniform and well-defined morphology of the aggregates in THF and water mixtures, which have been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their self-assembly processes are found to be modulated by π–π stacking as well as hydrophobic interactions. The resistive memory devices fabricated with compounds 3 and 6 exhibit encouraging binary memory characteristics with low threshold voltages, high ON/OFF ratios, long retention times, and favorable stability.