Chemical functionalization and charge carrier delocalization at a hybrid organic/inorganic semiconductor interface

In this article we concentrate on the importance of contact interfaces functionalized by organic semiconductors for high-efficiency charge or spin injection/extraction in organic electronic devices. We focus in particular on hybrid organic/inorganic semiconductor interfaces, consider the relevant microscopic processes from an experimental and a theoretical perspective, and relate them to device function. We provide a brief overview of the main conceptual challenges to be tackled, the methodologies used, and provide an overview of systems investigated to date. We discuss how interfacial hybridization and even minor charge-transfer can dominate the electronic properties at such interfaces, providing new avenues for tailoring organic semiconductor interfaces.