About this Research Topic
Society is facing a technological revolution in data processing and data storage applications. The miniaturization of traditional silicon-based electronic devices will soon reach its limitation due to quantum tunnelling and heat dissipation problems. Without new innovations, the manufacturing costs for conventional electronics are expected to exponentially increase as size decreases. In contrast, 3D self-assembled systems in nature (e.g., the neuronal network architecture in the brain) is a remarkably efficient platform for these electronical applications. However, it has proven to be extremely difficult to build 3D architectures using silicon-based electronics due to the limitations of 2D lithographic fabrication methods. To this end, crafting integrated circuits via self-assembly of functional nanomaterials using a “bottom-up” paradigm provides a promising solution to these technological challenges.
There are two fundamental challenges in this field: (1). controlling self-assembly of electrically active nanomaterials via thermodynamic process; (2). understanding the charge transport in the self-assembled systems. The goal of this topic is to include manuscripts such as original research article, review, mini review and perspective articles that focuses on tackling the above two challenges. Such, the fundamental scientific challenges may be addressed by leveraging a unique set of skills in innovative materials synthesis and characterization. Recent advances for (1) includes controlled self-assembly of electronically active nanomaterials guided by directed non-covalent interactions through various kinetic pathways and for (2) includes characterization of electronical properties at three distinct length scales: intramolecular, intermolecular and assembled systems.
We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Thermodynamics and kinetics of self-assembled systems
• Self-assembled hierarchical structures
• Single molecular charge transport
• Molecular/single particle electronical component
• Charge transport in self-assembled systems
• Structure-property relationship of self-assembled electrically active systems
• Sensing applications of self-assembled electrically active systems
There are two fundamental challenges in this field: (1). controlling self-assembly of electrically active nanomaterials via thermodynamic process; (2). understanding the charge transport in the self-assembled systems. The goal of this topic is to include manuscripts such as original research article, review, mini review and perspective articles that focuses on tackling the above two challenges. Such, the fundamental scientific challenges may be addressed by leveraging a unique set of skills in innovative materials synthesis and characterization. Recent advances for (1) includes controlled self-assembly of electronically active nanomaterials guided by directed non-covalent interactions through various kinetic pathways and for (2) includes characterization of electronical properties at three distinct length scales: intramolecular, intermolecular and assembled systems.
We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Thermodynamics and kinetics of self-assembled systems
• Self-assembled hierarchical structures
• Single molecular charge transport
• Molecular/single particle electronical component
• Charge transport in self-assembled systems
• Structure-property relationship of self-assembled electrically active systems
• Sensing applications of self-assembled electrically active systems
Keywords: Self-assembly, Supramolecular assembly, Charge transport, Bio/Bioinspired Electronics, Nanotechnology
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
