Efficient out-of-plane charge transport is required in vertical device architectures, such as organic solar cells and organic light emitting diodes. Here, we show that graphene, transferred onto different technologically-relevant substrates, can be used to induce face-on molecular stacking and improve out-of-plane hole transport in copper phthalocyanine thin films.

Electronic and optoelectronic devices comprising organic materials are highly promising for mechanically flexible and low-cost applications. In recent years, conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) has played a significant part in deciphering the nanoscopic and mesoscopic origins of organic electronic function. C-AFM is uniquely capable of measuring local electrical properties with nanoscale resolution; moreover, in conjunction with complementary atomic force microscope modes, C-AFM enables simultaneous mapping of nanoscale structure and electrical function. This feature article highlights recent progress in applying C-AFM to characterize organic electronic systems including self-assembled monolayers, graphene and related materials, organic semiconductors, and organic photovoltaic heterojunctions.

Having recently surpassed 10% efficiency, solar cells based on organic molecules are poised to become a viable low-cost clean energy source with the added advantages of mechanical flexibility and light weight. The best-performing organic solar cells rely on a nanostructured active layer morphology consisting of a complex organization of electron donating and electron accepting molecules. Although much progress has been made in designing new donor and acceptor molecules, rational control over active layer morphology remains a central challenge. Long-term device stability is another important consideration that needs to be addressed. This review highlights supramolecular strategies for generating highly stable nanostructured organic photovoltaic active materials by design.