A roadmap for molecular thermoelectricity

Molecules have the potential to act as sharp energy filters for electrical currents and could thereby outperform other materials considered for thermoelectric energy conversion. Based on this vision, a considerable amount of research is being performed worldwide. However, there is a large discrepancy between predictions and actual demonstrations in the literature, and a research roadmap is needed to highlight necessary steps to transition from fundamental research into a viable technology. Considering both scientific and technological challenges, we propose eight milestones on the way yet to go for technological applications. The multi-disciplinary knowledge, generated while addressing the technological challenges, can yield to novel applications and answer unresolved fundamental science questions, which are of interest far beyond mere energy conversion.