Thermal conductance in single molecules and self-assembled monolayers: physicochemical insights, progress, and challenges

Abstract

The way in which thermal transport is related to (supra)molecular structures in various materials and devices at an atomic level is gathering increasing interest. Thermal transport across molecular junctions based on single molecules and monolayers has received particular attention over the last decade. Herein, recent advances in metrology methods of thermal transport across molecular junctions and in structure–property relationships are summarized. This review also briefly covers the basics of heat carriers and models to help nonexpert readers understand thermal transport across nanoscopic organic–inorganic and insulator–metal interfaces. Finally, the current status of the molecular thermal transport field is highlighted and perspectives on future directions are given.