Harnessing carbon electrodes in molecular junctions: progress and challenges in device engineering

The relentless pursuit of miniaturization and enhanced functionality in electronic devices has driven researchers to explore innovative approaches. Carbon electrode-based molecular junctions (MJs) have emerged as a promising frontier in the quest for next-generation electronics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on carbon-based MJs for practical devices, focusing on their unique properties, such as charge transport phenomena, fabrication methods, and potential applications in revolutionizing electronic components. The inherent quantum nature of molecules introduces distinct electronic properties, enabling functionalities beyond those achievable with traditional semiconductor-based devices. The diverse range of molecules employed in creating these junctions highlights their tailored electronic characteristics and, consequently, device performance. The fabrication techniques for MJs are discussed in detail. The charge transport mechanisms in such junctions are also discussed, along with temperature effects. Additionally, the review addresses the integration of MJs into electronic circuits, considering scalability, reproducibility, and compatibility with existing manufacturing technologies. The potential applications of MJs in electronic devices, such as temperature-independent robust practical photosensors, photoswitches, charge storage devices, sensors and LEDs, are elucidated. However, challenges, such as stability, variability, and large-scale integration, are also addressed to realize the full potential of MJs in practical applications.