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Guo Y, Li M, Zhao C, Zhang Y, Jia C, Guo X. Understanding Emergent Complexity from a Single-Molecule Perspective. JACS AU 2024; 4:1278-1294. [PMID: 38665639 PMCID: PMC11040556 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Molecules, with structural, scaling, and interaction diversities, are crucial for the emergence of complex behaviors. Interactions are essential prerequisites for complex systems to exhibit emergent properties that surpass the sum of individual component characteristics. Tracing the origin of complex molecular behaviors from interactions is critical to understanding ensemble emergence, and requires insights at the single-molecule level. Electrical signals from single-molecule junctions enable the observation of individual molecular behaviors, as well as intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. This technique provides a foundation for bottom-up explorations of emergent complexity. This Perspective highlights investigations of various interactions via single-molecule junctions, including intramolecular orbital and weak intermolecular interactions and interactions in chemical reactions. It also provides potential directions for future single-molecule junctions in complex system research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Guo
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging
Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Mingyao Li
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking
University, No.5 Yiheyuan
Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Center
of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers
Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale
Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic
Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai
University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yanfeng Zhang
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking
University, No.5 Yiheyuan
Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center
of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers
Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale
Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic
Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai
University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging
Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
- Center
of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers
Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale
Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic
Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai
University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
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Ma T, Chang S, He J, Liang F. Emerging sensing platforms based on Cucurbit[ n]uril functionalized gold nanoparticles and electrodes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 60:150-167. [PMID: 38054368 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04851a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s, n = 5-8, 10, and 14), synthetic macrocycles with unique host-guest properties, have triggered increasing research interest in recent years. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and electrodes stand out as exceptional substrates for sensing due to their remarkable physicochemical characteristics. Coupling the CB[n]s with Au NPs and electrodes has enabled the development of emerging sensing platforms for various promising applications. However, monitoring the behavior of analytes at the single-molecule level is currently one of the most challenging topics in the field of CB[n]-based sensing. Constructing supramolecular junctions in a sensing platform provides an ideal structure for single-molecule analysis, which can provide insights for a fundamental understanding of supramolecular interactions and chemical reactions and guide the design of sensing applications. This feature article outlines the progress in the preparation of the CB[n] functionalized Au NPs and Au electrodes, as well as the construction and application of supramolecular junctions in sensing platforms, based on the methods of recognition tunneling (RT), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS), and electrochemical sensing (ECS). A brief perspective on the future development of and challenges in CB[n] mediated sensing platforms is also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials Hubei Key Laboratory, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials Hubei Key Laboratory, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Jin He
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA.
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials Hubei Key Laboratory, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
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Li X, Ge W, Guo S, Bai J, Hong W. Characterization and Application of Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216819. [PMID: 36585932 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of supramolecular chemistry and single-molecule electronics offers a new perspective on supramolecular electronics, and provides a new avenue toward understanding and application of intermolecular charge transport at the molecular level. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances in the characterization technique for the investigation of intermolecular charge transport, and summarize the experimental investigation of several non-covalent interactions, including π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, host-guest interactions and σ-σ interactions at the single-molecule level. We will also provide a perspective on supramolecular electronics and discuss the potential applications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenhui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shuhan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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Single-Molecule Chemical Reactions Unveiled in Molecular Junctions. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10122574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding chemical processes at the single-molecule scale represents the ultimate limit of analytical chemistry. Single-molecule detection techniques allow one to reveal the detailed dynamics and kinetics of a chemical reaction with unprecedented accuracy. It has also enabled the discoveries of new reaction pathways or intermediates/transition states that are inaccessible in conventional ensemble experiments, which is critical to elucidating their intrinsic mechanisms. Thanks to the rapid development of single-molecule junction (SMJ) techniques, detecting chemical reactions via monitoring the electrical current through single molecules has received an increasing amount of attention and has witnessed tremendous advances in recent years. Research efforts in this direction have opened a new route for probing chemical and physical processes with single-molecule precision. This review presents detailed advancements in probing single-molecule chemical reactions using SMJ techniques. We specifically highlight recent progress in investigating electric-field-driven reactions, reaction dynamics and kinetics, host–guest interactions, and redox reactions of different molecular systems. Finally, we discuss the potential of single-molecule detection using SMJs across various future applications.
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Xiao B, He S, Sun M, Zhou J, Wang Z, Li Y, Liu S, Nau WM, Chang S. Dynamic Interconversions of Single Molecules Probed by Recognition Tunneling at Cucurbit[7]uril-Functionalized Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202203830. [PMID: 35417083 PMCID: PMC9324061 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202203830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We introduce a versatile recognition tunneling technique using doubly cucurbit[7]uril‐functionalized electrodes to form supramolecular junctions that capture analytes dynamically by host–guest complexation. This results in characteristic changes in their single‐molecule conductance. For structurally related drug molecules (camptothecin, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and berberine) and mixtures thereof, we observed distinct current switching signals related to their intrinsic conductance properties as well as pH‐dependent effects which can be traced back to their different states (protonated versus neutral). The conductance variation of a single molecule with pH shows a sigmoidal distribution, allowing us to extract a pKa value for reversible protonation, which is consistent with the reported macroscopic results. The new electronic method allows the characterization of unmodified drug molecules and showcases the transfer of dynamic supramolecular chemistry principles to single molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohuai Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Suhang He
- School of Science, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759, Bremen, Germany
| | - Mingjun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Jianghao Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Zhiye Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Simin Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
| | - Werner M Nau
- School of Science, Jacobs University Bremen, 28759, Bremen, Germany
| | - Shuai Chang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430081, China
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Xiao B, He S, Sun M, Zhou J, Wang Z, Li Y, Liu S, Nau WM, Chang S. Dynamic Interconversions of Single Molecules Probed by Recognition Tunneling at Cucurbit[7]uril‐Functionalized Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202203830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bohuai Xiao
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Suhang He
- Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry Campus Ring 1 28759 Bremen GERMANY
| | - Mingjun Sun
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Jianghao Zhou
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Zhiye Wang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Yunchuan Li
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
| | - Simin Liu
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering CHINA
| | - Werner M. Nau
- Jacobs University Bremen Department of Chemistry Campus Ring 1School of Engineering and Science 28759 Bremen GERMANY
| | - Shuai Chang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, the Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, College of Materials and Metallurgy CHINA
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