Challenges and Prospects of Molecular Spintronics

Molecular spintronics, as an emerging field that makes full use of the advantage of ultralong room-temperature spin lifetime and abundant electrical-optical-magnetic properties of molecular semiconductors, has gained wide attention for its great potential for further commercial applications. Despite the significant progress that has been made, there remain several huge challenges that limit the future development of this field. This Perspective provides discussions on the spin transport mechanisms and performances of molecular semiconductors, spinterface effect, and related spin injection in spintronic devices, and current spin-charge interactive functionalities, along with the summarization of the main obstacles of these aspects. Furthermore, we particularly propose targeted solutions, aiming to enhance the spin injection and transport efficiency by molecular design and interface engineering and explore diverse spin-related functionalities. Through this Perspective, we hope it will help the spintronic community identify the research trends and accelerate the development of molecular spintronics.