Nanocrystal Array Engineering and Optoelectronic Applications of Organic Small-Molecule Semiconductors

Organic small-molecule semiconductor materials have attracted extensive attention because of their excellent properties. Due to the randomness of crystal orientation and growth location, however, the preparation of continuous and highly ordered organic small-molecule semiconductor nanocrystal arrays still face more challenges. Compared to organic macromolecules, organic small molecules exhibit better crystallinity, and therefore, they exhibit better semiconductor performance. The formation of organic small-molecule crystals relies heavily on weak interactions such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and & pi;-& pi; interactions, which are very sensitive to external stimuli such as mechanical forces, high temperatures, and organic solvents. Therefore, nanocrystal array engineering is more flexible than that of the inorganic materials. In addition, nanocrystal array engineering is a key step towards practical application. To resolve this problem, many conventional nanocrystal array preparation methods have been developed, such as spin coating, etc. In this review, the typical and recent progress of nanocrystal array engineering are summarized. It is the typical and recent innovations that the array of nanocrystal array engineering can be patterned on the substrate through top-down, bottom-up, self-assembly, and crystallization methods, and it can also be patterned by constructing a series of microscopic structures. Finally, various multifunctional and emerging applications based on organic small-molecule semiconductor nanocrystal arrays are introduced.

Automated summary

Organic small-molecule semiconductor materials have excellent properties and are the focus of attention. However, the preparation of continuous and highly ordered organic small-molecule semiconductor nanocrystal arrays faces challenges due to the randomness of crystal orientation and growth location. Nanocrystal array engineering is more flexible than that of inorganic materials, and it is a key step towards practical application. Various methods have been developed for nanocrystal array preparation, and the typical and recent progress of nanocrystal array engineering is summarized in this review. In addition, the emerging applications of organic small-molecule semiconductor nanocrystal arrays are introduced.