Theory of electron and phonon transport in nano and molecular quantum devices: Design strategies for molecular electronics and thermoelectricity

TL;DR

This paper reviews theoretical and mathematical methods for modeling electron and phonon transport in nano and molecular junctions, aiding the design of molecular electronics and thermoelectric devices.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of modeling techniques for electron and phonon transport in nano and molecular junctions, facilitating device design.

Findings

Models help interpret experimental data.

Design strategies for molecular electronics are proposed.

Transport properties are crucial for thermoelectric applications.

Abstract

Understanding the electronic and phononic transport properties of junctions consisting of a scattering region such as a nanoscale matters or molecules connected to two or more electrodes is the central basis for future nano and molecular scale applications. The theoretical and mathematical techniques to treat electron and phonon transport are leading to model the physical properties of nano and molecular scale junctions. My aim in this paper is to review the theoretical and mathematical techniques to treat electron and phonon transport in nano and molecular scale junctions leading to models of their physical properties. This helps not only to understand the experimental observations but also provides a vital design tool to develop strategies for molecular electronic building blocks, thermoelectric device and sensors.