Molecular rectifiers and transistors based on π-conjugated materials

Abstract Concepts and experimental results related to molecular rectifiers and transistors are reviewed. ‘Devices’ based on donor-δ bridge-acceptor molecules, conjugated zwitterionic molecules, macrocyclic molecules, metal clusters, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes are discussed. Current-voltage characteristics showing rectifier properties are presented, as well as experiments in which the current-voltage characteristics are modulated by a gate voltage (transistor effect).