In the frame of our well stablished lines, the group research has focused on surface engineering, through thin film growth, to modify and improve the materials’ properties via correlation of the surface nanoscale characteristics with macroscale responses. We employ diverse modes of Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPM) and combine this approach with in-situ operando measurements of thin film devices, such as organic field effect transistors. To get insight on the structural order and electronic characteristics of different organic materials we have also performed X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopies in synchrotron facilities.

In the last period, we have devoted special attention to the influence of the particular structure of the organic semiconductor (OSC) molecules themselves on the structural and morphological details of the interfaces formed during growth. Moreover, we have studied the consequences of incorporating small molecules as dopants and demonstrated why blending OSCs with insulating polymers can enhance device stability by trapping surface-induced polymorphs.

Remarkably, we have elucidated the influence of the substitutional side groups of the OSC on the properties of the interface created when it is in contact with dopants, as well as the beneficial role of some small molecules as selective dopants and structural stabilizers. On the other hand, because the importance of the interfaces between the organic material and metallic electrodes in devices, we started a new research line investigating on-surface processes and reactions taking place when small molecules approach a metal surface.

Outstandingly, we have experimentally observed, and theoretically corroborated, the strong dependence on the type of metal for the on surface de-fluorination of strong acceptors as fluorinated fullerenes.