In this study, we report on the design, preparation, and electrical properties of dielectric properties of low surface energy organic/inorganic hybrid dielectric films for low-voltage operation of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The hydrophobic hybrid dielectric films are easily fabricated by one-step spin coating of a zirconium chloride precursor in an octadecyltrimethoxysilane solution under ambient conditions, followed by thermal curing at low temperatures. These novel dielectrics exhibit great insulating properties, high capacitances, hydrophobic, and ultra-smooth surfaces. Consequently, the hybrid dielectrics integrated into pentacene OTFTs function at relatively low voltages with great TFT characteristics.

Solvent effects on nucleophilic displacement reactions of alkyl mesylates with halide ions were investigated in a series of protic alcohol solvents. In consideration of Hughes and Ingold's principle, the reaction rates were found to correlate well with the normalized solvent polarities () in all halide reactions.