Multi-component self-assembled molecular-electronic films: towards new high-performance thermoelectric systems
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The thermoelectric properties of parallel arrays of organic molecules on a surface offer the potential for large-area, flexible, solution processed, energy harvesting thin-films, whose room-temperature transport properties are controlled by quantum interference (QI). Recently, it has been demonstrated that constructive QI (CQI) can be translated from single molecules to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), boosting both electrical conductivities and Seebeck coefficients. However, these CQI-enhanced systems are limited by rigid coupling of the component molecules to metallic electrodes, preventing the introduction of additional layers which would be advantageous for their further development. These rigid couplings also limit our ability to suppress the transport of phonons through these systems, which could act to boost their thermoelectric output, without comprising on their impressive electronic features. Here, through a combined experimental and theoretical study, we show that cross-plane thermoelectricity in SAMs can be enhanced by incorporating extra molecular layers. We utilize a bottom-up approach to assemble multi-component thin-films that combine a rigid, highly conductive ‘sticky’-linker, formed from alkynyl-functionalised anthracenes, and a ‘slippery’-linker consisting of a functionalized metalloporphyrin. Starting from an anthracene-based SAM, we demonstrate that subsequent addition of either a porphyrin layer or a graphene layer increases the Seebeck coefficient, and addition of both porphyrin and graphene leads to a further boost in their Seebeck coefficients. This demonstration of Seebeck-enhanced multi-component SAMs is the first of its kind and presents a new strategy towards the design of thin-film thermoelectric materials.
Date Issued
2022-05-14
Date Acceptance
2022-04-14
Citation
Chemical Science, 2022, 13 (18), pp.5176-5185
ISSN
2041-6520
Publisher
The Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
5176
End Page
5185
Journal / Book Title
Chemical Science
Volume
13
Issue
18
Copyright Statement
© 2022 The Author(s). Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000784310000001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=a2bf6146997ec60c407a63945d4e92bb
Subjects
ADSORPTION
Chemistry
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
CONDUCTANCE
MONOLAYER
Physical Sciences
POLYMERS
PORPHYRIN
Science & Technology
THERMOPOWER
TRANSPORT
TUNNELING JUNCTIONS
ULTRAFLAT METAL-SURFACES
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-04-15