Ionically Modified Cellulose Nanocrystal Self-Assembled Films with a Mesoporous Twisted Superstructure: Polarizability and Application in Ion-Gated Transistors

Mesoporous structures made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and their self-assembly into films is of great interest not only due to their abundancy and sustainability but also due to their ease of chemical modification and nanoscale bio mimicry capabilities. However, their implementation in (opto)electronic devices requires further understanding on how these self-assembled twisted mesoporous superstructures respond to electrical stimulus. In this regard, this work focusses in the infiltration with three distinct alkali ions (Li+, Na+ and K+) to yield films with improved electrochemical response when compared to pristine ones, while preserving their photonic character. Electrochemical characterization shows capacitances of up to 2.5 μF cm-2 allowing for their integration as solid-state gate electrolytes in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide transistors, resulting in low operating voltages ( 10 cm2 V-1 s-1. Devices fabricat...