biostudies-literatureKim HJNRFGlobal Research LabNational Science Foundation, United Arab EmiratesCreative Materials Discovery ProgramMinistry of Science, ICT and Future PlanningAOARDAir Force Office of Scientific Researche2005940https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11468520biostudies-literatureUnknown33(47)With the growth of photoenergy harvesting and thermal engineering, photothermal materials (PTMs) have attracted substantial interest due to their unique functions such as localized heat generation, spatiotemporal thermal controllability, invisibility, and light harvesting capabilities. In particular, π-conjugated organic PTMs show advantages over inorganic or metallic PTMs in thin film applications due to their large light absorptivity, ease of synthesis and tunability of molecular structures for realizing high NIR absorption, flexibility, and solution processability. This review is intended to provide an overview of organic PTMs, including both molecular and polymeric PTMs. A description of the photothermal (PT) effect and conversion efficiency (η_PT ) for organic films is provided. After that, the chemical structure and optical properties of organic PTMs are discussed. Finally, emerging applications of organic PT films from the perspective of spatiotemporal thermal engineering principles are illustrated.Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)Conjugated Organic Photothermal Films for Spatiotemporal Thermal Engineering.PMC11468520FA9550-19-S-00032018H1D3A2001751FA9550‐19‐S‐00032018M3D1A10585362016K1A1A2912753Kim BKim HJKim EAuh YfalseConjugated Organic Photothermal Films for Spatiotemporal Thermal Engineering.With the growth of photoenergy harvesting and thermal engineering, photothermal materials (PTMs) have attracted substantial interest due to their unique functions such as localized heat generation, spatiotemporal thermal controllability, invisibility, and light harvesting capabilities. In particular, π-conjugated organic PTMs show advantages over inorganic or metallic PTMs in thin film applications due to their large light absorptivity, ease of synthesis and tunability of molecular structures for realizing high NIR absorption, flexibility, and solution processability. This review is intended to provide an overview of organic PTMs, including both molecular and polymeric PTMs. A description of the photothermal (PT) effect and conversion efficiency (η_PT ) for organic films is provided. After that, the chemical structure and optical properties of organic PTMs are discussed. Finally, emerging applications of organic PT films from the perspective of spatiotemporal thermal engineering principles are illustrated.2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Nov2025-04-04T02:17:08.196Z2025-04-04T02:17:08.196ZS-EPMC114685203405068610.1002/adma.202005940