Macromolecular and supramolecular architectures for molecular electronics

The benzene ring is introduced as a modular building block into carbon-rich 1D-, 2D- and 3D-polymers. Remarkable synthetic products are functionalized poly(paraphenyleneethynylene) s as rigid rods of ant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as molecular models for graphite and polyphenylene dendrimers as shape-persistent nanoparticles. Supramolecular ordering of these unprecedented molecular structures is a key prerequisite when elucidating their role as media for charge carrier transport in molecular electronics. Current-potential curves recorded for single disc-type molecules and the drastic increase of charge mobility as a result of supramolecular order in pi-stacked columnar arrays are out standing physical results.