TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2: From single-crystals to thin layers, nanowires, and nanoparticles

• We describe the study of the TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 superconductor.
• Synthetic procedures of molecular conductors as crystals, thin film and nanoparticles.
• Study of the superconducting transition in TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2.
• Properties of TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 films and nanoparticles.
• Study of TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 nanoparticles in OFETs structures.

The molecular superconductor TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 is part of the scientific heritage of the Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination (LCC). Research into molecular materials using transition metal complexes as building blocks was introduced at the LCC by Patrick Cassoux in 1979. The “Molecules and Materials” team isolated the first molecular superconductor containing a transition metal complex, TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2, the metallic behavior of which was demonstrated at ambient pressure and its superconductivity under pressure. This compound was first prepared and studied as single crystals, and processed further to obtain thin films and nanoparticles. In this review, we describe the synthetic procedures used for growing TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 as single crystals, nanowires, thin films, and nanoparticles, as well as the physical properties of each morphological type and the potential integration of nanoparticles into electronic components.