Challenges and Prospects of Molecular Spintronics

Molecular spintronics,as an emerging field that makes full use of the advantage of ultralong room-temperature spin lifetime and abundant electrical-optical-magnetic properties of molecular semiconductors,has gained wide attention for its great potential for further commercial applications.Despite the significant progress that has been made,there remain several huge challenges that limit the future development of this field.This Perspective provides discussions on the spin transport mechanisms and performances of molecular semiconductors,spinterface effect,and related spin injection in spintronic devices,and current spin-charge interactive functionalities,along with the summarization of the main obstacles of these aspects.Furthermore,we particularly propose targeted solutions,aiming to enhance the spin injection and transport efficiency by molecular design and interface engineering and explore diverse spinrelated functionalities.Through this Perspective,we hope it will help the spintronic community identify the research trends and accelerate the development of molecular spintronics.

Molecular design for enhanced spin transport in molecular semiconductors

Molecular semiconductors(MSCs),characterized by a longer spin lifetime than most of other materials due to their weak spin relaxation mechanisms,especially at room temperature,together with their abundant chemical tailorability and flexibility,are regarded as promising candidates for spintronic applications.Molecular spintronics,as an emerging subject that utilizes the unique properties of MSCs to study spin-dependent phenomena and properties,has attracted wide attention.In molecular spintronic devices,MSCs play the role as medium for information transport,process,and storage,in which the efficient spin inject–transport process is the prerequisite.Herein,we focus mainly on summarizing and discussing the recent advances in theoretical principles towards spin transport of MSCs in terms of the injection of spin-polarized carriers through the ferromagnetic metal/MSC interface and the subsequent transport within the MSC layer.Based on the theoretical progress,we cautiously present targeted design strategies of MSCs that contribute to the optimization of spin-transport efficiency and give favorable approaches to exploring accessional possibilities of spintronic materials.Finally,challenges and prospects regarding current spin transport are also presented,aiming to promote the development and application of the rosy and energetic field of molecular spintronics.

High-performance floating-gate organic phototransistors based on n-type core-expanded naphthalene diimides

In the field of organic phototransistor, achieving both broad-spectral and high photosensitivity has always been a big challenge. The innovation of device structure has previously proven to be a possible solution to this problem. Here in this study, a novel organic phototransistor based on a high mobility n-type small molecule as the conducting layer and an isolated bulk heterojunction light-absorbing layer as the floating gate has been demonstrated in this study. With the special designed device structure, the phototransistor shows extremely high sensitivity to broad spectral and weak light irradiation, and the photoresponsivity and photocurrent/dark-current ratio of the device can reach up to 4840 mA/W and 1.8×10~5 respectively.For conclusion, this study suggests a potential way to obtain high-performance phototransistors at room temperature, which will further promote the commercial application of organic phototransistors.

基于分子自旋阀的自旋电子学

分子半导体材料因具有很长的自旋弛豫时间,被认为在自旋电子学领域存在巨大的应用潜力.在基于分子半导体材料开展的自旋电子学研究被首次报道后的十余年里,以分子自旋阀为载体的自旋电子学研究取得了巨大发展并引起了广泛关注.本文将围绕分子自旋阀中的自旋注入、界面效应和输运等关键研究方向,综述近年来该研究领域的重要研究成果,具体包括:分子自旋阀制备工艺改善、结构优化对自旋注入效率的提升,自旋界面效应对优化注入和调控信号等方面的最新进展;以及分子半导体中自旋输运距离优化和输运机制研究结果.最后,基于分子自旋阀中的注入、界面效应和输运的研究基础,展望分子自旋阀多功能化这一新兴研究方向的发展前景.以上进展对未来自旋电子学和分子电子学领域进一步交叉研究的开展具有借鉴价值.