Organic-inorganic electronics

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials enable the integration of useful organic and inorganic characteristics within a single molecular-scale composite. Unique electronic and optical properties have been observed, and many others can be envisioned for this promising class of materials. In this paper, we review the crystal structures and physical properties of one family of crystalline, self-assembling, organic-inorganic hybrids based on the layered perovskite framework. In addition to exhibiting a number of potentially useful properties, the hybrids can be deposited as thin films using simple and inexpensive techniques, such as spin coating or single-source thermal ablation. The relatively new field of "organic-inorganic electronics" offers a variety of exciting technological opportunities. Several recent demonstrations of electronic and optical devices based on organic-inorganic perovskites are presented as examples.