Solution-processed organic nano- and micro-materials: design strategy, growth mechanism and applications

Recently many efforts have been devoted to the investigation of organic nano- and micro-materials due to their unique properties and broad applications in organic field-effect transistors, organic light-emitting diodes, organic photovoltaics, photodetectors and superhydrophobic materials. In comparison with physical vapour deposition, solution processing provides a more convenient and cost-effective approach to obtain organic nano- and micro-materials with various morphologies, including wires, sheets and flowers. In this review, we use the basic concepts of supramolecular chemistry to discuss the molecular design strategy and growth mechanisms of various organic nano- and micro-structures, and their relationship with the corresponding applications.