Abstract
AbstractSelf‐assembly of semiconducting (macro)molecules enables the development of materials with tailored‐made properties which could be used as active components for optoelectronics applications. Supramolecular nanostructures combine the merits of soft matter and crystalline materials: They are flexible yet highly crystalline, and they can be processed with low‐cost solution methods. Photodetectors are devices capable to convert a light input into an electrical signal. To achieve high photoresponse, the photogenerated charge carriers should be transported efficiently through the self‐assembled nanostructures to reach the electrodes; this can be guaranteed via optimal π–electron overlapping between adjacent conjugated molecules. Moreover, because of the high surface‐to‐bulk ratio, supramolecular nanostructures are prone to enhance exciton dissociation. These qualities make supramolecular nanostructures perfect platforms for photoelectric conversion. This review highlights the most enlightening recent strategies developed for the fabrication of high‐performance photodetectors based on supramolecular nanostructures. We introduce the key figure‐of‐merit parameters and working mechanisms of organic photodetectors based on single components and p–n heterojunctions. In particular, we describe new methods to devise unprecedented planar and vertical devices to ultimately realize highly integrated and flexible photodetectors. The incorporation of ordered mesoscopic supramolecular nanostructures into macroscopic optoelectronic devices will offer great promise for the next generation of multifunctional and multiresponsive devices.
Highlights
IntroductionOrganic semiconductors (OSCs) are promising candidates for the realization of highperformance photodetectors, as they possess tunable energy levels and charge transport characteristics.[1,2,3,4,5] OSCs can absorb light at specific wavelengths across a broadest spectral range, from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared region (NIR), via the subtle modification of the molecular structures and bandgap.[3,6,7,8,9,10,11] This has empowered the successful development of high-performance polychromatic photodetectors for numerous technological applications including image sensing, optical communication, and photovoltaics.[12,13,14,15,16,17,18] the library of accessible organic materials possessing high charge carrier density and mobility is still rather limited
We have summarized the most remarkable recent advances in organic photodetectors based on the supramolecular nanostructures
It is fair to admit that current organic semiconducting supramolecular nanostructures (OSSNs) based photodetectors are still the result of lab scale research; especially the photochemical stability of the organic structures when the devices are intended to be integrated into practical applications.[79,80]
Summary
Organic semiconductors (OSCs) are promising candidates for the realization of highperformance photodetectors, as they possess tunable energy levels and charge transport characteristics.[1,2,3,4,5] OSCs can absorb light at specific wavelengths across a broadest spectral range, from ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared region (NIR), via the subtle modification of the molecular structures and bandgap.[3,6,7,8,9,10,11] This has empowered the successful development of high-performance polychromatic photodetectors for numerous technological applications including image sensing, optical communication, and photovoltaics.[12,13,14,15,16,17,18] the library of accessible organic materials possessing high charge carrier density and mobility is still rather limited. Operation principles and components 2.1 Devices configuration and operating mechanisms Photodetectors are devices able to transform a light into an electrical signal which include two-terminated photodiodes, photoresistors and three-terminated phototransistors They rely on the basic physical processes of exciton generation, diffusion and dissociation as well as charge extraction at the interface between the active material and the electrodes. To obtain high-performance photodetectors, the chosen organic active layer needs to combine (i) high charge carrier mobility to ensure optimal free carriers transport, (ii) ideal built-in potential for the dissociation of electron-hole pairs, (iii) optimized relative energy levels of the components to guarantee enhanced charge injection and extraction at the electrodessemiconductor interfaces, (iv) high robustness and stability to enable the device operation according to the standards of the electronic industry. With the increasing demand of the flexible and wearable electronics, flexibility of the device is becoming a requirement
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
