Charge transfer across the molecule/metal interface using the core hole clock technique

In this review, we summarize recent studies on charge transfer dynamics across molecule/metal interfaces by the core-hole technique. Beginning with simple models of relevant excitation and decay processes involving the core-hole clock technique, we explain the rationale and advantages of this technique. The case studies that will be examined, focus on several molecule/metal systems. The description of these studies illustrates the suitability of the core-hole clock technique in the study of charge transfer across the molecule/metal interface. Detailed analyses of these studies further reveal the critical issues in organic electronics and molecular electronics: interfacial charge transfer dynamics in different systems and the factors influencing the transfer process, such as molecular orbitals, molecular orientation and the coupling of molecule and metal. Charge transfer across the molecule/molecule interface is also briefly explored.