Molecular self assembly at the surface of organic semiconductors

本研究的目的是研究基于有机半导体表面分子自组装的新型器件的基础和应用方面，这些器件具有卓越的电子特性，如高导电性和化学传感。该方法是在有机表面上进行排列的二维极性分子层的生长，从而导致有机半导体的表面限制掺杂，并利用这些设备开发新型化学传感器。本项目的智力价值包括(a)通过研究有机半导体的纳米级结构和表面电导率来理解这些自组装单层的电子特性，以及(b)为基于该系统的新型化学选择性传感器铺平道路。该项目的更广泛影响是支撑对我们社会至关重要的几项尖端技术，如柔性电子、半导体物理、传感器和纳米技术。该项目的跨学科性质提供了极好的教育和推广机会。本科生和研究生将接触到现代半导体研究的最先进的工具。学生在本项目中学到的技能具有很高的市场价值，将成为工业、政府或学术机构就业的宝贵资产。将研究重点放在新型半导体器件上，将有助于实现该计划的主要教育目标：教授学生半导体研究的实验技能，并将半导体物理的现代主题纳入研究生课程。因此，拟议的研究与项目的教育部分紧密结合在一起。

The objective of this research is to study fundamental and applied aspects of novel devices based on molecular self assembly at the surface of organic semiconductors that exhibit remarkable electronic properties, such as high electrical conductivity and chemical sensing. The approach is to perform growth of aligned 2D layers of polar molecules at organic surfaces, leading to a surface-restricted doping of organic semiconductors and to utilize these devices in development of novel chemical sensors. Intellectual merit of this Project consists of (a) understanding the electronic properties of these self-assembled monolayers on organic semiconductors by investigating their nanoscale structure and surface conductivity, and (b) paving the road to novel chemically selective sensors based on this system. The broader impact of the Project is the underpinning of several cutting-edge technologies crucial for our society, such as flexible electronics, semiconductor physics, sensors and nanotechnology. The interdisciplinary nature of the Project provides excellent educational and outreach opportunities. Undergraduate and graduate students will be exposed to the state-of-the-art tools of modern semiconductor research. The skills learned by the students in this Project are highly marketable and will serve as a valuable asset for employment in industrial, governmental or academic institutions. The focus of the proposed research on novel semiconductor devices will help to achieve the main educational goal of the Program: teaching the students experimental skills of semiconductor research and incorporation of modern topics on Semiconductor Physics in the graduate curriculum. Proposed research is therefore closely integrated with the educational component of the Project.