1
|
Xie Y, Qiu S, Guo Q, Li C, Chen N, Zhou Z, Yang Z, Cao Z, Wang T, Du W, Wang L, Li Y. Dynamically blocking leakage current in molecular tunneling junctions. Chem Sci 2024; 15:12721-12731. [PMID: 39148779 PMCID: PMC11322961 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02829e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular tunneling junctions based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have demonstrated rectifying characteristics at the nanoscale that can hardly be achieved using traditional approaches. However, defects in SAMs result in high leakage when applying bias. The poor performance of molecular diodes compared to silicon or thin-film devices limits their further development. In this study, we show that incorporating "mixed backbones" with flexible-rigid structures into molecular junctions can dynamically block tunneling currents, which is difficult to realize using non-molecular technology. Our idea is achieved by the interaction between interfacial dipole moments and electric field, triggering structured packing in SAMs. Efficient blocking of leakage by more than an order of magnitude leads to a significant enhancement of the rectification ratio to the initial value. The rearrangement of supramolecular structures has also been verified through electrochemistry and electroluminescence measurements. Moreover, the enhanced rectification is extended to various challenging environments, including endurance measurements, bending of electrodes, and rough electrodes, thus demonstrating the feasibility of the dynamic behavior of molecules for practical electronic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Shengzhe Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu 215123 P. R. China
| | - Chengtai Li
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo Zhejiang 315211 P. R. China
| | - Ningyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Ziming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Zhou Cao
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu 215123 P. R. China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University Suzhou Jiangsu 215123 P. R. China
| | - Lejia Wang
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology Ningbo Zhejiang 315211 P. R. China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guo Q, Zhang H, Zhao H, Ding Y, Hu Y, Zhu S, Wen X, Deng S, Wang T, Du W. Electrically Driven Deterministic Plasmon Light Sources Based on Arrays of Molecular Tunnel Junctions. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:9720-9726. [PMID: 39051601 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Surface plasmons excited via inelastic tunnelling have led to plasmon light sources with small footprints and ultrafast response speeds, which are favored by integrated optical circuits. Self-assembled monolayers of organic molecules function as highly tunable tunnel barriers with novel functions. However, limited by the low effective contact between the liquid metal electrode and the self-assembled monolayers, it is quite challenging to obtain molecular plasmon light sources with high density and uniform emission. Here, by combining lithographic patterning with a solvent treatment method, we have demonstrated electrically driven deterministic plasmon emission from arrays of molecular tunnel junctions. The solvent treatment could largely improve the effective contact from 9.6% to 48% and simultaneously allow the liquid metal to fill into lithographically patterned micropore structures toward deterministic plasmon emission with desired patterns. Our findings open up new possibilities for tunnel junction-based plasmon light sources, laying the foundation for electrically driven light-emitting metasurfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Huilin Zhang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Haijun Zhao
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Youyi Ding
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yidan Hu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Shu Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
- 2020 X-Lab, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Shikai Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
- 2020 X-Lab, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu A, Fan Y, Tao C, Chen X, Dappe YJ, Du J, Zhang Q. Molecular Diodes Induced by a Schottky Barrier with a Gold-Silicon Doped Electrode. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:7011-7019. [PMID: 38949616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
To create complementary metal oxide semiconductor compatible molecular devices, more insights into the electrode property regarding its metal/semiconductor doping level and creating a functional molecular device are required. In this work, we constructed an EGaIn/alkanethiol/Au-Si molecular diode (with a rectification ratio R of 50.70) induced by Schottky barriers within a gold-silicon doped electrode instead of the functional property of molecules. The relationship between the rectification ratio and the number of methylene units in alkanethiol was analyzed, revealing a gradual increase in the ratio from 3.33 for C6H14S to 50.70 for C16H34S. The rectification ratio of the junction is well modulated by the temperature due to the change in the Schottky barrier. Such a mechanism is explained by the energy band diagrams of the surface space charge region and a combination of density functional theory and Keldysh-Green formalism calculations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yidan Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Changyuan Tao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
| | - Yannick J Dappe
- SPEC, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex 91191, France
| | - Jun Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Li Z, Ji S, Xu W, Chen L, Xiao Z, Liu J, Hong W. Plasmon-Molecule Interactions in Single-Molecule Junctions. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300556. [PMID: 38050755 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule optoelectronics offers opportunities for advancing integrated photonics and electronics, which also serves as a tool to elucidate the underlying mechanism of light-matter interaction. Plasmonics, which plays pivotal role in the interaction of photons and matter, have became an emerging area. A comprehensive understanding of the plasmonic excitation and modulation mechanisms within single-molecule junctions (SMJs) lays the foundation for optoelectronic devices. Consequently, this review primarily concentrates on illuminating the fundamental principles of plasmonics within SMJs, delving into their research methods and modulation factors of plasmon-exciton. Moreover, we underscore the interaction phenomena within SMJs, including the enhancement of molecular fluorescence by plasmonics, Fano resonance and Rabi splitting caused by the interaction of plasmon-exciton. Finally, by emphasizing the potential applications of plasmonics within SMJs, such as their roles in optical tweezers, single-photon sources, super-resolution imaging, and chemical reactions, we elucidate the future prospects and current challenges in this domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Zhengyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Shurui Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Lijue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Zongyuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Junyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen LC, Shi J, Lu ZX, Lin RJ, Lu TG, Zou YL, Liang QM, Huang R, Shi J, Xiao ZY, Zhang Y, Liu J, Yang Y, Hong W. Highly Reversible Molecular Photoswitches with Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Electrodes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305607. [PMID: 37817357 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
The molecule-electrode coupling plays an essential role in photoresponsive devices with photochromic molecules, and the strong coupling between the molecule and the conventional electrodes leads to/ the quenching effect and limits the reversibility of molecular photoswitches. In this work, we developed a strategy of using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) electrodes to fabricate the thiol azobenzene (TAB) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) junctions with the eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) technique. The current-voltage characteristics of the EGaIn/GaOx //TAB/TMDCs photoswitches showed an almost 100% reversible photoswitching behavior, which increased by ∼28% compared to EGaIn/GaOx //TAB/AuTS photoswitches. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed the coupling strength of the TAB-TMDCs electrode decreased by 42% compared to that of the TAB-AuTS electrode, giving rise to improved reversibility. our work demonstrated the feasibility of 2D TMDCs for fabricating SAMs-based photoswitches with unprecedentedly high reversibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Rong-Jian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Tai-Ge Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yu-Ling Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Qing-Man Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Ruiyun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zong-Yuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yanxi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Junyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Trasobares J, Martín-Romano JC, Khaliq MW, Ruiz-Gómez S, Foerster M, Niño MÁ, Pedraz P, Dappe YJ, de Ory MC, García-Pérez J, Acebrón M, Osorio MR, Magaz MT, Gomez A, Miranda R, Granados D. Hybrid molecular graphene transistor as an operando and optoelectronic platform. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1381. [PMID: 36914623 PMCID: PMC10011542 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lack of reproducibility hampers molecular devices integration into large-scale circuits. Thus, incorporating operando characterization can facilitate the understanding of multiple features producing disparities in different devices. In this work, we report the realization of hybrid molecular graphene field effect transistors (m-GFETs) based on 11-(Ferrocenyl)undecanethiol (FcC11SH) micro self-assembled monolayers (μSAMs) and high-quality graphene (Gr) in a back-gated configuration. On the one hand, Gr enables redox electron transfer, avoids molecular degradation and permits operando spectroscopy. On the other hand, molecular electrode decoration shifts the Gr Dirac point (VDP) to neutrality and generates a photocurrent in the Gr electron conduction regime. Benefitting from this heterogeneous response, the m-GFETs can implement optoelectronic AND/OR logic functions. Our approach represents a step forward in the field of molecular scale electronics with implications in sensing and computing based on sustainable chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Trasobares
- IMDEA-Nanociencia, Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain. .,Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (Biomathematics), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | | | - Muhammad Waqas Khaliq
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Spain.,Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Ruiz-Gómez
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Spain
| | - Michael Foerster
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Niño
- ALBA Synchrotron, Carrer de la llum 2-26, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Spain
| | | | - Yannick J Dappe
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850, Spain
| | | | | | - María Acebrón
- IMDEA-Nanociencia, Cantoblanco, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | | | | | - Alicia Gomez
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Miranda
- SPEC, CEA, CNRS Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, 91191, France.,Dpto. de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Sousa JA, Pfattner R, Gutiérrez D, Jutglar K, Bromley ST, Veciana J, Rovira C, Mas-Torrent M, Fabre B, Crivillers N. Stable Organic Radical for Enhancing Metal-Monolayer-Semiconductor Junction Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:4635-4642. [PMID: 36642951 PMCID: PMC9949700 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The preparation of monolayers based on an organic radical and its diamagnetic counterpart has been pursued on hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces. The functional monolayers have been investigated as solid-state metal/monolayer/semiconductor (MmS) junctions showing a characteristic diode behavior which is tuned by the electronic characteristics of the organic molecule. The eutectic gallium-indium liquid metal is used as a top electrode to perform the transport measurements and the results clearly indicate that the SOMO-SUMO molecular orbitals impact the device performance. The junction incorporating the radical shows an almost two orders of magnitude higher rectification ratio (R(|J1V/J-1V|) = 104.04) in comparison with the nonradical one (R(|J1V/J-1V|) = 102.30). The high stability of the fabricated MmS allows the system to be interrogated under irradiation, evidencing that at the wavelength where the photon energy is close to the band gap of the radical there is a clear enhancement of the photoresponse. This is translated into an increase of the photosensitivity (Sph) value from 68.7 to 269.0 mA/W for the nonradical and radical based systems, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Alejandro De Sousa
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
- Laboratorio
de Electroquímica, Departamento de Química, Facultad
de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, 5101 Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Raphael Pfattner
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
| | - Diego Gutiérrez
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
| | - Kilian Jutglar
- Departament
de Ciència de Materials i Química Física &
Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTC), Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefan T. Bromley
- Departament
de Ciència de Materials i Química Física &
Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTC), Universitat de Barcelona, c/Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució
Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Veciana
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
| | - Concepció Rovira
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
| | - Marta Mas-Torrent
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
| | - Bruno Fabre
- Univ
Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut
des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Núria Crivillers
- Institut
de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB, CSIC), Campus de la UAB s/n, Bellaterra 081093, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zinelli R, Soni S, Cornelissen JJLM, Michel-Souzy S, Nijhuis CA. Charge Transport across Proteins inside Proteins: Tunneling across Encapsulin Protein Cages and the Effect of Cargo Proteins. Biomolecules 2023; 13:174. [PMID: 36671559 PMCID: PMC9855946 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Charge transport across proteins can be surprisingly efficient over long distances-so-called long-range tunneling-but it is still unclear as to why and under which conditions (e.g., presence of co-factors, type of cargo) the long-range tunneling regime can be accessed. This paper describes molecular tunneling junctions based on an encapsulin (Enc), which is a large protein cage with a diameter of 24 nm that can be loaded with various types of (small) proteins, also referred to as "cargo". We demonstrate with dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy that Enc, with and without cargo, can be made stable in solution and immobilized on metal electrodes without aggregation. We investigated the electronic properties of Enc in EGaIn-based tunnel junctions (EGaIn = eutectic alloy of Ga and In that is widely used to contact (bio)molecular monolayers) by measuring the current density for a large range of applied bias of ±2.5 V. The encapsulated cargo has an important effect on the electrical properties of the junctions. The measured current densities are higher for junctions with Enc loaded with redox-active cargo (ferritin-like protein) than those junctions without cargo or redox-inactive cargo (green fluorescent protein). These findings open the door to charge transport studies across complex biomolecular hierarchical structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Zinelli
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 2017, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
- Biomolecular NanoTechnology, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 2017, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 2017, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. L. M. Cornelissen
- Biomolecular NanoTechnology, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 2017, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Michel-Souzy
- Biomolecular NanoTechnology, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 2017, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 2017, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo Q, Zou Z, Xie Y, Lan X, Zhu G, Xu K, Jin R, Xu W, Huang G, Li Y, Wang T, Du W. In Situ Active Switching of Bipolar Current Rectification in 2D Semiconductor Vertical Diodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:1583-1591. [PMID: 36537368 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted extensive attention as building blocks of miniaturized electronic and optical devices. However, as the characteristics of TMDC devices are predominately determined by their device structures, the function of TMDC devices is fixed once fabricated, leaving the reconfigurable active device and circuit a challenge. Here, we have demonstrated the current rectification switching in TMDC vertical diodes using a liquid metal (EGaIn) top electrode with a reconfigurable contact area. The rectification switching is closely related to the ultrathin gallium oxide layer on the surface of EGaIn. Under the small contact, with the existence of gallium oxide, photocurrent dominates the electrical transport showing a negative rectification, while as the contact increases, the broken gallium oxide leads to rectification switching to the positive bias direction. Such rectification switching applies to thin TMDC flakes down to 3 nm, benefitting from the soft electrical contact between the TMDC and the EGaIn electrode. Our work shows the new possibility of actively reconfigurable TMDC vertical diodes enabled by the liquid metal electrode and will promote promising applications of flexible and tunable TMDC-based nanoelectronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Guo
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Zou
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering and Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xinhui Lan
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Guangpeng Zhu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Kai Xu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Ran Jin
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Wenrui Xu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Guangyan Huang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering and Laboratory of Flexible Electronics Technology, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Wei Du
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gupta N, Karuppannan SK, Pasula RR, Vilan A, Martin J, Xu W, May EM, Pike AR, Astier HPA, Salim T, Lim S, Nijhuis CA. Temperature-Dependent Coherent Tunneling across Graphene-Ferritin Biomolecular Junctions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:44665-44675. [PMID: 36148983 PMCID: PMC9542697 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of charge transport (CT) across biomolecules in solid-state devices is imperative to realize biomolecular electronic devices in a predictive manner. Although it is well-accepted that biomolecule-electrode interactions play an essential role, it is often overlooked. This paper reveals the prominent role of graphene interfaces with Fe-storing proteins in the net CT across their tunnel junctions. Here, ferritin (AfFtn-AA) is adsorbed on the graphene by noncovalent amine-graphene interactions confirmed with Raman spectroscopy. In contrast to junctions with metal electrodes, graphene has a vanishing density of states toward its intrinsic Fermi level ("Dirac point"), which increases away from the Fermi level. Therefore, the amount of charge carriers is highly sensitive to temperature and electrostatic charging (induced doping), as deduced from a detailed analysis of CT as a function of temperature and iron loading. Remarkably, the temperature dependence can be fully explained within the coherent tunneling regime due to excitation of hot carriers. Graphene is not only demonstrated as an alternative platform to study CT across biomolecular tunnel junctions, but it also opens rich possibilities in employing interface electrostatics in tuning CT behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nipun
Kumar Gupta
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Senthil Kumar Karuppannan
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Rupali Reddy Pasula
- School
of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Ayelet Vilan
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann
Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Jens Martin
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Wentao Xu
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Esther Maria May
- Chemistry-School
of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle
University, Newcastle
upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K.
| | - Andrew R. Pike
- School
of
Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang
Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Hippolyte P. A.
G. Astier
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Teddy Salim
- School
of
Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang
Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Sierin Lim
- School
of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Hybrid
Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and
Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Centre for Brain-Inspired
Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Soh EJH, Astier HPAG, Daniel D, Isaiah Chua JQ, Miserez A, Jia Z, Li L, O'Shea SJ, Bhaskaran H, Tomczak N, Nijhuis CA. AFM Manipulation of EGaIn Microdroplets to Generate Controlled, On-Demand Contacts on Molecular Self-Assembled Monolayers. ACS NANO 2022; 16:14370-14378. [PMID: 36065994 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid metal droplets, such as eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), are important in many research areas, such as soft electronics, catalysis, and energy storage. Droplet contact on solid surfaces is typically achieved without control over the applied force and without optimizing the wetting properties in different environments (e.g., in air or liquid), resulting in poorly defined contact areas. In this work, we demonstrate the direct manipulation of EGaIn microdroplets using an atomic force microscope (AFM) to generate repeated, on-demand making and breaking of contact on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols. The nanoscale positional control and feedback loop in an AFM allow us to control the contact force at the nanonewton level and, consequently, tune the droplet contact areas at the micrometer length scale in both air and ethanol. When submerged in ethanol, the droplets are highly nonwetting, resulting in hysteresis-free contact forces and minimal adhesion; as a result, we are able to create reproducible geometric contact areas of 0.8-4.5 μm2 with the alkanethiolate SAMs in ethanol. In contrast, there is a larger hysteresis in the contact forces and larger adhesion for the same EGaIn droplet in air, which reduced the control over the contact area (4-12 μm2). We demonstrate the usefulness of the technique and of the gained insights in EGaIn contact mechanics by making well-defined molecular tunneling junctions based on alkanethiolate SAMs with small geometric contact areas of between 4 and 12 μm2 in air, 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than previously achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Jia Hao Soh
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634
| | | | - Dan Daniel
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634
- Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jia Qing Isaiah Chua
- Biological and Biomimetic Material Laboratory, Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 637553
| | - Ali Miserez
- Biological and Biomimetic Material Laboratory, Center for Biomimetic Sensor Science, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 637553
| | - Zian Jia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Sean J O'Shea
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634
| | - Harish Bhaskaran
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Nikodem Tomczak
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
- Hybrid Materials for Optoelectronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Ismael A, Ning S, Althobaiti H, Al-Jobory A, Girovsky J, Astier HPAG, O'Driscoll LJ, Bryce MR, Lambert CJ, Ford CJB. Electrostatic Fermi level tuning in large-scale self-assembled monolayers of oligo(phenylene-ethynylene) derivatives. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:1201-1209. [PMID: 35913108 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00241h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and controlling the orbital alignment of molecules placed between electrodes is essential in the design of practically-applicable molecular and nanoscale electronic devices. The orbital alignment is highly determined by the molecule-electrode interface. Dependence of orbital alignment on the molecular anchor group for single molecular junctions has been intensively studied; however, when scaling-up single molecules to large parallel molecular arrays (like self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)), two challenges need to be addressed: 1. Most desired anchor groups do not form high quality SAMs. 2. It is much harder to tune the frontier molecular orbitals via a gate voltage in SAM junctions than in single molecular junctions. In this work, we studied the effect of the molecule-electrode interface in SAMs with a micro-pore device, using a recently developed tetrapodal anchor to overcome challenge 1, and the combination of a single layered graphene top electrode with an ionic liquid gate to solve challenge 2. The zero-bias orbital alignment of different molecules was signalled by a shift in conductance minimum vs. gate voltage for molecules with different anchoring groups. Molecules with the same backbone, but a different molecule-electrode interface, were shown experimentally to have conductances that differ by a factor of 5 near zero bias. Theoretical calculations using density functional theory support the trends observed in the experimental data. This work sheds light on how to control electron transport within the HOMO-LUMO energy gap in molecular junctions and will be applicable in scaling up molecular electronic systems for future device applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xintai Wang
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
- School of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Ali Ismael
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK.
- Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Science, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq
| | - Shanglong Ning
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Hanan Althobaiti
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK.
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Taif-University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Al-Jobory
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK.
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq
| | - Jan Girovsky
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Hippolyte P A G Astier
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Luke J O'Driscoll
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Martin R Bryce
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK.
| | - Christopher J B Ford
- Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Khalid H, Opodi EM, Song X, Wang Z, Li B, Tian L, Yu X, Hu W. Modulated Structure and Rectification Properties of a Molecular Junction by a Mixed Self-Assembled Monolayer. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:10893-10901. [PMID: 36007164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The organization of the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) determines its electronic structure and so governs the charge transport process and device performance when adopted into a molecular device. We report a systematic study on the supramolecular structure and rectification performance of the ferrocene (11-ferrocenyl-1-undecanethiol, FUT) based SAM modulated by mixed SAM with inert 1-undecanethiol (C11SH) as diluent. We compared mixed SAMs by two different post assembly strategies, i.e., post assembly of C11SH on FUT SAM and post assembly of FUT on C11SH SAM. The organization and structure of FUT in the mixed SAM were extensively studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) using the Laviron model. Rectification properties of the mixed SAM obtained using eutectic indium gallium (EGaIn) as the top electrode revealed that the magnitude and stability of the rectification ratio (RR) strongly correlated to not only the amount but also the phase structure and orientation of the FUT in the monolayer, resulting in a tunable RR and increased stability. The mixed monolayer achieved an increased performance relative to pure FUT by post assembling FUT on C11SH SAM, which formed an optimally dense and well-packed monolayer with the FUT head resting on the top of the alkane SAM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hira Khalid
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Esther Martine Opodi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xianneng Song
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ziyan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Baili Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lixian Tian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, School of Science, Tianjin University & Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Amini S, Chen X, Chua JQI, Tee JS, Nijhuis CA, Miserez A. Interplay between Interfacial Energy, Contact Mechanics, and Capillary Forces in EGaIn Droplets. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:28074-28084. [PMID: 35649179 PMCID: PMC9227710 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c04043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) is increasingly employed as an interfacial conductor material in molecular electronics and wearable healthcare devices owing to its ability to be shaped at room temperature, conductivity, and mechanical stability. Despite this emerging usage, the mechanical and physical mechanisms governing EGaIn interactions with surrounding objects─mainly regulated by surface tension and interfacial adhesion─remain poorly understood. Here, using depth-sensing nanoindentation (DSN) on pristine EGaIn/GaOx surfaces, we uncover how changes in EGaIn/substrate interfacial energies regulate the adhesive and contact mechanic behaviors, notably the evolution of EGaIn capillary bridges with distinct capillary geometries and pressures. Varying the interfacial energy by subjecting EGaIn to different chemical environments and by functionalizing the tip with chemically distinct self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), we show that the adhesion forces between EGaIn and the solid substrate can be increased by up to 2 orders of magnitude, resulting in about a 60-fold increase in the elongation of capillary bridges. Our data reveal that by deploying molecular junctions with SAMs of different terminal groups, the trends of charge transport rates, the resistance of monolayers, and the contact interactions between EGaIn and monolayers from electrical characterizations are governed by the interfacial energies as well. This study provides a key understanding into the role of interfacial energy on geometrical characteristics of EGaIn capillary bridges, offering insights toward the fabrication of EGaIn junctions in a controlled fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahrouz Amini
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Biological
and Biomimetic Materials Laboratory, Center for Sustainable Materials
(SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department
of Chemistry and Environment Science, Fujian Province Key Laboratory
of Modern Analytical Science and Separation Technology, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Jia Qing Isaiah Chua
- Biological
and Biomimetic Materials Laboratory, Center for Sustainable Materials
(SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jinq Shi Tee
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Hybrid Materials
for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials,
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Molecules Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ali Miserez
- Biological
and Biomimetic Materials Laboratory, Center for Sustainable Materials
(SusMat), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- School
of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological
University (NTU), 60
Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bejarano F, Gutiérrez D, Catalán-Toledo J, Roca-Sanjuán D, Gierschner J, Veciana J, Mas-Torrent M, Rovira C, Crivillers N. Photoswitching activation of a ferrocenyl-stilbene analogue by its covalent grafting to gold. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:6185-6192. [PMID: 35229090 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp05012e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Until now, surface-deposited stilbenes have been much less studied than other photochromic systems. Here, an asymmetrically substituted styrene incorporating a redox-active ferrocene moiety and a terminal alkyne group has been synthesised to investigate its photoisomerization in solution, and upon the formation of chemisorbed self-assembled monolayers through a carbon-gold bond formation. Charge transport measurements across the monolayers reveal that upon chemical linkage to the gold substrate there is an alteration of the isomerization pathway, which favours the trans to cis conversion, which is not observed in solution. The experimental observations are interpreted based on quantum chemistry calculations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Bejarano
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Diego Gutiérrez
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain. .,Leitat Technological Center (LEITAT), Carrer Innovació, 2, 08225 Terrassa, Spain
| | - José Catalán-Toledo
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Daniel Roca-Sanjuán
- Institute of Molecular Science, University of Valencia, P.O. Box 22085, ES-46071 Valencia, Spain
| | - Johannes Gierschner
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies, IMDEA Nanoscience, Calle Faraday 9, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jaume Veciana
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Marta Mas-Torrent
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Concepció Rovira
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Núria Crivillers
- Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) and CIBER-BBN, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wan H, Xiao X, Ang YS. Edge Doping Engineering of High-Performance Graphene Nanoribbon Molecular Spintronic Devices. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 12:56. [PMID: 35010006 PMCID: PMC8746629 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We study the quantum transport properties of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with a different edge doping strategy using density functional theory combined with nonequilibrium Green's function transport simulations. We show that boron and nitrogen edge doping on the electrodes region can substantially modify the electronic band structures and transport properties of the system. Remarkably, such an edge engineering strategy effectively transforms GNR into a molecular spintronic nanodevice with multiple exceptional transport properties, namely: (i) a dual spin filtering effect (SFE) with 100% filtering efficiency; (ii) a spin rectifier with a large rectification ratio (RR) of 1.9 ×106; and (iii) negative differential resistance with a peak-to-valley ratio (PVR) of 7.1 ×105. Our findings reveal a route towards the development of high-performance graphene spintronics technology using an electrodes edge engineering strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Wan
- Department of Ecology and Environment, Yuzhang Normal University, Nanchang 330029, China
- Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT), Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Xianbo Xiao
- School of Computer Science, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China;
| | - Yee Sin Ang
- Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT), Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gupta N, Wilkinson EA, Karuppannan SK, Bailey L, Vilan A, Zhang Z, Qi DC, Tadich A, Tuite EM, Pike AR, Tucker JHR, Nijhuis CA. Role of Order in the Mechanism of Charge Transport across Single-Stranded and Double-Stranded DNA Monolayers in Tunnel Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:20309-20319. [PMID: 34826219 PMCID: PMC8662729 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been hypothesized to act as a molecular wire due to the presence of an extended π-stack between base pairs, but the factors that are detrimental in the mechanism of charge transport (CT) across tunnel junctions with DNA are still unclear. Here we systematically investigate CT across dense DNA monolayers in large-area biomolecular tunnel junctions to determine when intrachain or interchain CT dominates and under which conditions the mechanism of CT becomes thermally activated. In our junctions, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is 30-fold more conductive than single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The main reason for this large change in conductivity is that dsDNA forms ordered monolayers where intrachain tunneling dominates, resulting in high CT rates. By varying the temperature T and the length of the DNA fragments in the junctions, which determines the tunneling distance, we reveal a complex interplay between T, the length of DNA, and structural order on the mechanism of charge transport. Both the increase in the tunneling distance and the decrease in structural order result in a change in the mechanism of CT from coherent tunneling to incoherent tunneling (hopping). Our results highlight the importance of the interplay between structural order, tunneling distance, and temperature on the CT mechanism across DNA in molecular junctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nipun
Kumar Gupta
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Edward A. Wilkinson
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Senthil Kumar Karuppannan
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Lily Bailey
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ayelet Vilan
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann
Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Dong-Chen Qi
- Centre
for Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Anton Tadich
- Australian
Synchrotron Clayton, 800 Blackburn Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Eimer M. Tuite
- Chemistry-School
of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle
University, Newcastle
upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Pike
- Chemistry-School
of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle
University, Newcastle
upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United
Kingdom
| | - James H. R. Tucker
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Department
of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology,
Faculty of Science and Technology, University
of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shi J, Jiang F, Long S, Lu Z, Liu T, Zheng H, Shi J, Yang Y, Hong W, Tian ZQ. The influence of water on the charge transport through self-assembled monolayers junctions fabricated by EGaIn technique. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
19
|
Du C, Norris SR, Thakur A, Chen J, VanVeller B, Thuo M. Molecular Conformation in Charge Tunneling across Large-Area Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:13878-13886. [PMID: 34415163 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers are predicated on thermodynamic equilibrium; hence, their properties project accessible relaxation pathways. Herein, we demonstrate that charge tunneling correlates with conformational degrees of freedom(s). Results from open chain and cyclic head groups show that, as expected, distribution in tunneling data correlates with the orientation of the head group, akin to the odd-even effect and more importantly the degree of conformational freedom, but fluctuates with applied bias. Trends in nature of distributions in current density illuminate the need for higher statistical moments in understanding these rather dynamic systems. We employ skewness, kurtosis, and estimation plots to show that the conformational degree of freedom in the head group significantly amplifies the odd-even effect and may lead to enhanced or perturbed tunneling based on whether the head group is on an odd- or even-parity spacer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanshen Du
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, 2220 Hoover Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 United States
| | - Sean R Norris
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, 3126 Hach Hall, 2438 Pammel Drive, Ames, Iowa 50011-3111, United States
| | - Abhishek Thakur
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, 2220 Hoover Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 United States.,Micro-Electronic Research Center, Iowa State University, 133 Applied Sciences Complex I, 1925 Scholl Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Brett VanVeller
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, 3126 Hach Hall, 2438 Pammel Drive, Ames, Iowa 50011-3111, United States
| | - Martin Thuo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, 2220 Hoover Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011 United States.,Micro-Electronic Research Center, Iowa State University, 133 Applied Sciences Complex I, 1925 Scholl Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States.,Biopolymer and Biocomposites Research Team, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites Iowa State University, 1041 Food Sciences Building, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ni L, Li X, Zhao Z, Nam J, Wu P, Wang Q, Lee T, Liu H, Xiang D. Reversible Rectification of Microscale Ferroelectric Junctions Employing Liquid Metal Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:29885-29893. [PMID: 34137592 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c22925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Both ferroelectric crystals and liquid metal electrodes have attracted extensive attention for potential applications in next-generation devices and circuits. However, the interface information between ferroelectric crystals and liquid metal electrodes has so far been lacking. To better understand the optoelectronic properties of microscale ferroelectric crystals (potassium tantalate niobate, KTN) and its potential integration with liquid metal electrodes (a "printing ink" for flexible electric circuit production), microscale KTN crystals sandwiched by eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn, a liquid metal) with varied contact geometries were studied. Unlike the bulk KTN crystal junctions, the microscale KTN junctions show electrical rectifying characteristics upon light illumination, and the directionality of the rectification can be reversed by increasing the ambient temperature to a few degrees. Furthermore, a strong suppression of the current upon increasing voltage, that is, the quasi-negative differential resistance, is observed when the microscale KTN is half-enclosed by the EGaIn electrode. Our results show that trapping/detrapping of carriers affected by the crystal size and the ambient temperature is the dominant physical mechanism for these observations. These results not only facilitate a better understanding of charge transport through the microscale ferroelectric crystals but also advance the design of miniaturized hybrid devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifa Ni
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Center of Single Molecule Sciences, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaojin Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhibin Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Center of Single Molecule Sciences, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jongwoo Nam
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Pengfei Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qingling Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dong Xiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Center of Single Molecule Sciences, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen X, Kretz B, Adoah F, Nickle C, Chi X, Yu X, Del Barco E, Thompson D, Egger DA, Nijhuis CA. A single atom change turns insulating saturated wires into molecular conductors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3432. [PMID: 34103489 PMCID: PMC8187423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an efficient strategy to modulate tunnelling in molecular junctions by changing the tunnelling decay coefficient, β, by terminal-atom substitution which avoids altering the molecular backbone. By varying X = H, F, Cl, Br, I in junctions with S(CH2)(10-18)X, current densities (J) increase >4 orders of magnitude, creating molecular conductors via reduction of β from 0.75 to 0.25 Å−1. Impedance measurements show tripled dielectric constants (εr) with X = I, reduced HOMO-LUMO gaps and tunnelling-barrier heights, and 5-times reduced contact resistance. These effects alone cannot explain the large change in β. Density-functional theory shows highly localized, X-dependent potential drops at the S(CH2)nX//electrode interface that modifies the tunnelling barrier shape. Commonly-used tunnelling models neglect localized potential drops and changes in εr. Here, we demonstrate experimentally that \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$\beta \propto 1/\sqrt{{\varepsilon }_{r}}$$\end{document}β∝1/εr, suggesting highly-polarizable terminal-atoms act as charge traps and highlighting the need for new charge transport models that account for dielectric effects in molecular tunnelling junctions. In molecular junctions, where a molecule is placed between two electrodes, the current passed decays exponentially as a function of length. Here, Chen et al. show that this exponentially attenuation can be controlled by changing a single atom at the end of the molecular wire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernhard Kretz
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Francis Adoah
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Cameron Nickle
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Xiao Chi
- Singapore Synchrotron Light Source, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaojiang Yu
- Singapore Synchrotron Light Source, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Enrique Del Barco
- Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - David A Egger
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Hybrid Materials for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500, AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Almadhoun MN, Speckbacher M, Olsen BC, Luber EJ, Sayed SY, Tornow M, Buriak JM. Bipolar Resistive Switching in Junctions of Gallium Oxide and p-type Silicon. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:2666-2674. [PMID: 33689381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this work, native GaOx is positioned between bulk gallium and degenerately doped p-type silicon (p+-Si) to form Ga/GaOx/SiOx/p+-Si junctions. These junctions show memristive behavior, exhibiting large current-voltage hysteresis. When cycled between -2.5 and 2.5 V, an abrupt insulator-metal transition is observed that is reversible when the polarity is reversed. The ON/OFF ratio between the high and low resistive states in these junctions can reach values on the order of 108 and retain the ON and OFF resistive states for up to 105 s with an endurance exceeding 100 cycles. The presence of a nanoscale layer of gallium oxide is critical to achieving reversible resistive switching by formation and dissolution of the gallium filament across the switching layer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud N Almadhoun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Maximilian Speckbacher
- Molecular Electronics, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Brian C Olsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Erik J Luber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Sayed Youssef Sayed
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Marc Tornow
- Molecular Electronics, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Microsystems and Solid State Technologies (EMFT), 80686 Munich, Germany
| | - Jillian M Buriak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gupta NK, Schultz T, Karuppannan SK, Vilan A, Koch N, Nijhuis CA. The energy level alignment of the ferrocene-EGaIn interface studied with photoelectron spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:13458-13467. [PMID: 34095913 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp01690c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The energy level alignment after the formation of a molecular tunnel junction is often poorly understood because spectroscopy inside junctions is not possible, which hampers the rational design of functional molecular junctions and complicates the interpretation of the data generated by molecular junctions. In molecular junction platforms where the top electrode-molecule interaction is weak; one may argue that the energy level alignment can be deduced from measurements with the molecules supported by the bottom electrode (sometimes referred to as "half junctions"). This approach, however, still relies on a series of assumptions, which are challenging to address experimentally due to difficulties in studying the molecule-top electrode interaction. Herein, we describe top electrode-molecule junctions with a liquid metal alloy top electrode of EGaIn (which stands for eutectic alloy of Ga and In) interacting with well-characterised ferrocene (Fc) moieties. We deposited a ferrocene derivative on films of EGaIn, coated with its native GaOx layer, and studied the energy level alignment with photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results reveal that the electronic interaction between the Fc and GaOx/EGaIn is very weak, resembling physisorption. Therefore, investigations of "half junctions" for this system can provide valuable information regarding the energy level alignment of complete EGaIn junctions. Our results help to improve our understanding of the energy landscape in weakly coupled molecular junctions and aid to the rational design of molecular electronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Kumar Gupta
- Departement of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore and Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Thorsten Schultz
- Institut für Physik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Newtonstraße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany. and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Albert-Einstein Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Senthil Kumar Karuppannan
- Departement of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ayelet Vilan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Norbert Koch
- Institut für Physik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Newtonstraße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany. and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH, Albert-Einstein Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Departement of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore and Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore and Department of Molecules and Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wan H, Xiao X, Zhou G, Hu W. Spin-resolved transport properties of atomic carbon chain between sawtooth zigzag-edge graphene nanoribbons electrodes. Mol Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2020.1857448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Wan
- Department of Ecology and Environment, Yuzhang Normal University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbo Xiao
- School of Computer Science, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Zhou
- Department of Physics and Key Laboratory for Low-Dimensional Quantum Structures and Manipulation (Ministry of Education), and Synergetic Innovation Center for Quantum Effects and Applications of Hunan, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Science Teaching, Jiangxi University of Technology, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen X, Salim T, Zhang Z, Yu X, Volkova I, Nijhuis CA. Large Increase in the Dielectric Constant and Partial Loss of Coherence Increases Tunneling Rates across Molecular Wires. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:45111-45121. [PMID: 32897683 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c11106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the dielectric behavior of monolayers is important in a large range of applications, its role in charge transport studies involving molecular junctions is largely ignored. This paper describes a large increase in the relative static dielectric constant (εr) by simply increasing the thickness of well-organized monolayers of oligoglycine and oligo(ethylene glycol) from 7 up to 14. The resulting large capacitance of 3.5-5.1 μF/cm2 is thickness-independent, which is highly attractive for field-effect transistor applications. This increase of εr results in a linear increase of the thermal activation energy by a factor of 6, which suggests that the mechanism of charge transport gradually changes from coherent to (partially) incoherent tunneling. The comparisons of oligoglycine (which readily forms hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules) and methyl terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) (which lacks hydrogen bond donors) monolayers, kinetic isotope effects, and relative humidity-dependent measurements all indicate the importance of strong hydrogen bonds involving ionic species and strongly bonded water in the unusual dielectric behavior and the incoherent tunneling mechanism. This partial loss of coherence of the charge carriers can explain the unusually small tunneling decay coefficients across long molecular wires, and the length-dependent increase of εr of monolayers opens up interesting new applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Teddy Salim
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Xiaojiang Yu
- Singapore Synchrotron Light Source, National University of Singapore, 5 Research Link, Singapore 117603, Singapore
| | - Ira Volkova
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Christian A Nijhuis
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research Centre, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mukhopadhyay S, Karuppannan SK, Guo C, Fereiro JA, Bergren A, Mukundan V, Qiu X, Castañeda Ocampo OE, Chen X, Chiechi RC, McCreery R, Pecht I, Sheves M, Pasula RR, Lim S, Nijhuis CA, Vilan A, Cahen D. Solid-State Protein Junctions: Cross- Laboratory Study Shows Preservation of Mechanism at Varying Electronic Coupling. iScience 2020; 23:101099. [PMID: 32438319 PMCID: PMC7235645 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful integration of proteins in solid-state electronics requires contacting them in a non-invasive fashion, with a solid conducting surface for immobilization as one such contact. The contacts can affect and even dominate the measured electronic transport. Often substrates, substrate treatments, protein immobilization, and device geometries differ between laboratories. Thus the question arises how far results from different laboratories and platforms are comparable and how to distinguish genuine protein electronic transport properties from platform-induced ones. We report a systematic comparison of electronic transport measurements between different laboratories, using all commonly used large-area schemes to contact a set of three proteins of largely different types. Altogether we study eight different combinations of molecular junction configurations, designed so that Ageoof junctions varies from 105 to 10-3 μm2. Although for the same protein, measured with similar device geometry, results compare reasonably well, there are significant differences in current densities (an intensive variable) between different device geometries. Likely, these originate in the critical contact-protein coupling (∼contact resistance), in addition to the actual number of proteins involved, because the effective junction contact area depends on the nanometric roughness of the electrodes and at times, even the proteins may increase this roughness. On the positive side, our results show that understanding what controls the coupling can make the coupling a design knob. In terms of extensive variables, such as temperature, our comparison unanimously shows the transport to be independent of temperature for all studied configurations and proteins. Our study places coupling and lack of temperature activation as key aspects to be considered in both modeling and practice of protein electronic transport experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Department of Physics, SRM University – AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh 522502, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Karuppannan
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Cunlan Guo
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | | | - Adam Bergren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Edmonton AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Vineetha Mukundan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Edmonton AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Xinkai Qiu
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Olga E. Castañeda Ocampo
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Ryan C. Chiechi
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Richard McCreery
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, 11227 Saskatchewan Dr., Edmonton AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Israel Pecht
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | | | - Rupali Reddy Pasula
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Sierin Lim
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, National University of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| | - Ayelet Vilan
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - David Cahen
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Karuppannan S, Neoh EHL, Vilan A, Nijhuis CA. Protective Layers Based on Carbon Paint To Yield High-Quality Large-Area Molecular Junctions with Low Contact Resistance. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:3513-3524. [PMID: 31951129 PMCID: PMC7307901 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A major obstacle for transforming large-area molecular junctions into a viable technology is the deposition of a top, metallic contact over the self-assembled monolayer (SAM) without chemically damaging the molecules and preventing an interface-limited charge transport. Often a thin conducting layer is softly deposited over the SAM to protect it during the deposition of the metal electrode which requires conditions under which organic molecules are not stable. We report a new protective layer based on carbon paint which is highly conductive and has metallic-like behavior. Junctions made of SAMs of n-alkanethiolates supported by Au were characterized with both dc and ac techniques, revealing that carbon paint protective layers provide a solution to three well-known challenges in molecular junctions: series resistance of the leads, poor interface conductance, and low effective contact area related to the roughness of the interfaces. Transport is constant with coherent tunneling down to 10 K, indicating the carbon paint does not add spurious thermally activated components. The junctions have both high reproducibility and good stability against bias stressing. Finally, normalized differential conductance analysis of the tunneling characteristics of the junctions as a function of molecular length reveals that the scaling voltage changes with molecular length, indicating a significant voltage drop on the molecules rather than on the molecule-electrode interface. There is a clear inverse dependence of the scaling voltage on length, which we deduced has a tunneling barrier height of close to 2 eV. The paper establishes the reliability of carbon paint protective layers and provides a procedure for discriminating genuine molecular effects from interfacial contributions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senthil
Kumar Karuppannan
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Esther Hui Lin Neoh
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Ayelet Vilan
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann
Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|