Bridging the gap from single molecule properties to organic semiconductor materials

Abstract

Organic semiconductors (OSCs), as a kind of plastic electronic material that can be prepared at low cost and on large areas, have great potential for applications in organic light-emitting diodes, organic field-effect transistors, organic photovoltaics, organic photodetectors, and organic thermoelectrics. In this burgeoning field, it is becoming very important to design OSCs in a more efficient manner. Unlike current characterization methods, single-molecule junctions allow a deeper exploration of the intrinsic charge transport properties inside a molecule. In this perspective, we will discuss how single-molecule characterization techniques can help to establish structure–property relationships and further open up new paths for the rational design of OSC materials.