Ultrathin Film Molecular Electronic Materials: Self-Organizing Discotic Mesophases and Organic Heterojunctions

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CHE-0517963 Armstrong/Arizona Professor Armstrong, with the support of the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, is characterizing ultra-thin molecular materials for use in molecular electronic devices. Along with his colleagues at the University of Arizona, Armstrong is examining the electrical properties of phthalocyanine layers for use in diode, transistor, and photovoltaic applications. They are studying electrical properties and self-organizing behavior of novel discotic mesophase organic materials. The understanding of these materials at the nano-scale is crucial to the development of molecular electronic devices, and students trained in this research will be of great value to this growing industry. Using electrical property measurements, scanning microscope studies, and spectroscopic characterization, a wide range of thin layer molecular materials are being examined by the Armstrong group at the University of Arizona. An understanding of the structural and electronic properties of these novel molecular systems will be essential for the development of molecular scale electronic devices.