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Xu X, Gao C, Emusani R, Jia C, Xiang D. Toward Practical Single-Molecule/Atom Switches. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400877. [PMID: 38810145 PMCID: PMC11304318 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Electronic switches have been considered to be one of the most important components of contemporary electronic circuits for processing and storing digital information. Fabricating functional devices with building blocks of atomic/molecular switches can greatly promote the minimization of the devices and meet the requirement of high integration. This review highlights key developments in the fabrication and application of molecular switching devices. This overview offers valuable insights into the switching mechanisms under various stimuli, emphasizing structural and energy state changes in the core molecules. Beyond the molecular switches, typical individual metal atomic switches are further introduced. A critical discussion of the main challenges for realizing and developing practical molecular/atomic switches is provided. These analyses and summaries will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the switch mechanisms, providing guidance for the rational design of functional nanoswitch devices toward practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Xu
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin Key Laboratory of Micro‐scale Optical Information Science and TechnologyTianjin300350China
| | - Chunyan Gao
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin Key Laboratory of Micro‐scale Optical Information Science and TechnologyTianjin300350China
| | - Ramya Emusani
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin Key Laboratory of Micro‐scale Optical Information Science and TechnologyTianjin300350China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin Key Laboratory of Micro‐scale Optical Information Science and TechnologyTianjin300350China
| | - Dong Xiang
- Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single Molecule SciencesNankai UniversityTianjin Key Laboratory of Micro‐scale Optical Information Science and TechnologyTianjin300350China
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2
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Ward JS, Vezzoli A, Wells C, Bailey S, Jarvis SP, Lambert CJ, Robertson C, Nichols RJ, Higgins SJ. A Systematic Study of Methyl Carbodithioate Esters as Effective Gold Contact Groups for Single-Molecule Electronics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403577. [PMID: 38770763 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403577] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
There are several binding groups used within molecular electronics for anchoring molecules to metal electrodes (e.g., R-SMe, R-NH2, R-CS2 -, R-S-). However, some anchoring groups that bind strongly to electrodes have poor/unknown stability, some have weak electrode coupling, while for some their binding motifs are not well defined. Further binding groups are required to aid molecular design and to achieve a suitable balance in performance across a range of properties. We present an in-depth investigation into the use of carbodithioate esters as contact groups for single-molecule conductance measurements, using scanning tunnelling microscopy break junction measurements (STM-BJ) and detailed surface spectroscopic analysis. We demonstrate that the methyl carbodithioate ester acts as an effective contact for gold electrodes in STM-BJ measurements. Surface enhanced Raman measurements demonstrate that the C=S functionality remains intact when adsorbed on to gold nanoparticles. A gold(I) complex was also synthesised showing a stable C=S→AuI interaction from the ester. Comparison with a benzyl thiomethyl ether demonstrates that the C=S moiety significantly contributes to charge transport in single-molecule junctions. The overall performance of the CS2Me group demonstrates it should be used more extensively and has strong potential for the fabrication of larger area devices with long-term stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
- Chemistry Department, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK
| | - Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Charlie Wells
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Steven Bailey
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Samuel P Jarvis
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Craig Robertson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Richard J Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Simon J Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St., Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
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3
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Muñoz J. Rational Design of Stimuli-Responsive Inorganic 2D Materials via Molecular Engineering: Toward Molecule-Programmable Nanoelectronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305546. [PMID: 37906953 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305546] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The ability of electronic devices to act as switches makes digital information processing possible. Succeeding graphene, emerging inorganic 2D materials (i2DMs) have been identified as alternative 2D materials to harbor a variety of active molecular components to move the current silicon-based semiconductor technology forward to a post-Moore era focused on molecule-based information processing components. In this regard, i2DMs benefits are not only for their prominent physiochemical properties (e.g., the existence of bandgap), but also for their high surface-to-volume ratio rich in reactive sites. Nonetheless, since this field is still in an early stage, having knowledge of both i) the different strategies for molecularly functionalizing the current library of i2DMs, and ii) the different types of active molecular components is a sine qua non condition for a rational design of stimuli-responsive i2DMs capable of performing logical operations at the molecular level. Consequently, this Review provides a comprehensive tutorial for covalently anchoring ad hoc molecular components-as active units triggered by different external inputs-onto pivotal i2DMs to assess their role in the expanding field of molecule-programmable nanoelectronics for electrically monitoring bistable molecular switches. Limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of this emerging field which crosses materials chemistry with computation are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Muñoz
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
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4
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Chen L, Yang Z, Lin Q, Li X, Bai J, Hong W. Evolution of Single-Molecule Electronic Interfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:1988-2004. [PMID: 38227964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Single-molecule electronics can fabricate single-molecule devices via the construction of molecule-electrode interfaces and also provide a unique tool to investigate single-molecule scale physicochemical processes at these interfaces. To investigate single-molecule electronic devices with desired functionalities, an understanding of the interface evolution processes in single-molecule devices is essential. In this review, we focus on the evolution of molecule-electrode interface properties, including the background of interface evolution in single-molecule electronics, the construction of different types of single-molecule interfaces, and the regulation methods. Finally, we discuss the perspective of future characterization techniques and applications for single-molecule electronic interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Zixian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Qichao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, 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 361000, 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 361000, China
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5
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Yasini P, Shepard S, Smeu M, Borguet E. Modulation of Charge Transport through Single Molecules Induced by Solvent-Stabilized Intramolecular Charge Transfer. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9771-9780. [PMID: 37933172 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The modulation of charge transport through single molecules can be established by using the intrinsic characteristics of molecules and the physical properties of their environment. Therefore, the impact of the solvent on the electronic properties of molecules in the junction and their charge transport behavior are of great interest. Here, for the first time, we focused on charge transport through dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN). This molecule shows unique behavior, specifically noticeable electronic structure modulations in bulk solvents, e.g., dual fluorescence in a polar environment. Using the scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (STM-BJ) technique, we find an order of magnitude increase in conductance along with a second conductance value in polar solvents over nonpolar solvents. Inspired by the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) explanation of the famous dual fluorescence of DMABN in polar solvents, we hypothesize stabilization of twisted DMABN molecules in the junction in more polar solvents. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations using density functional theory (DFT) show that DMABN can twist in the junction and have a larger dipole moment compared to planar DMABN junction geometries, supporting the hypothesis. The nonequilibrium Green's function with the DFT approach (NEGF-DFT) is used to calculate the conductance throughout the AIMD trajectory, finding a significant change in the frontier orbitals and transmission function at large internal twisting angles, which can explain the dual conductance in polar solvents in STM-BJ experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Yasini
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Stuart Shepard
- Department of Physics, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Manuel Smeu
- Department of Physics, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, United States
| | - Eric Borguet
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
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6
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Oz A, Nitzan A, Hod O, Peralta JE. Electron Dynamics in Open Quantum Systems: The Driven Liouville-von Neumann Methodology within Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:7496-7504. [PMID: 37852250 PMCID: PMC10653109 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
A first-principles approach to describe electron dynamics in open quantum systems driven far from equilibrium via external time-dependent stimuli is introduced. Within this approach, the driven Liouville-von Neumann methodology is used to impose open boundary conditions on finite model systems whose dynamics is described using time-dependent density functional theory. As a proof of concept, the developed methodology is applied to simple spin-compensated model systems, including a hydrogen chain and a graphitic molecular junction. Good agreement between steady-state total currents obtained via direct propagation and those obtained from the self-consistent solution of the corresponding Sylvester equation indicates the validity of the implementation. The capability of the new computational approach to analyze, from first principles, non-equilibrium dynamics of open quantum systems in terms of temporally and spatially resolved current densities is demonstrated. Future extensions of the approach toward the description of dynamical magnetization and decoherence effects are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Oz
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, the Raymond and Beverly
Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, and the Sackler Center for Computational
Molecular and Materials Science, Tel Aviv
University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Abraham Nitzan
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, the Raymond and Beverly
Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, and the Sackler Center for Computational
Molecular and Materials Science, Tel Aviv
University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, United States
| | - Oded Hod
- Department
of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, the Raymond and Beverly
Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, and the Sackler Center for Computational
Molecular and Materials Science, Tel Aviv
University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Juan E. Peralta
- Department
of Physics, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859, United States
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7
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Nakayama M, Kajimoto K, Misaka T, Mishima N, Yamada T, Ohoyama H, Matsumoto T. Probing Energy-Level Alignment in Molecular Multilayers by Frequency-Modulation Electrostatic Force Microscopy under Tapping-Mode-Combined Fowler-Nordheim Tunneling Spectroscopy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:47704-47714. [PMID: 37751421 PMCID: PMC10573325 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The alignment of molecular electronic levels in a molecular multilayer is of crucial importance to realize desired functions for molecular devices. Amplitude-modulation-feedback frequency-modulation electrostatic force microscopy combined with Fowler-Nordheim tunneling spectroscopy is utilized as a probe for the energy-level alignment in an organic multilayer. Bias-dependent electrostatic force spectra were examined for bilayers including a Ru complex as a benchmark multilayer system. Electrostatic properties in the low-bias region were captured well by a single-capacitor model, which indicates weak coupling at the bilayer interface between the Ru complex and self-assembled monolayer. In contrast, in the high-bias region, significant disagreement with the expected electrostatic force was recognized for the bilayers and evaluated as the loss of electrostatic energy through the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling process. Alignment of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of the Ru complex was determined by Fowler-Nordheim emission through resonant tunneling. These results indicate an effective method to probe level alignment at interfaces inside multilayers and to provide the partition factor β that depicts a divided electric field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Nakayama
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kajimoto
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Tomoki Misaka
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Naoya Mishima
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamada
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohoyama
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
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8
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Tong L, Yu Z, Gao YJ, Li XC, Zheng JF, Shao Y, Wang YH, Zhou XS. Local cation-tuned reversible single-molecule switch in electric double layer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3397. [PMID: 37296181 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39206-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature of molecule-electrode interface is critical for the integration of atomically precise molecules as functional components into circuits. Herein, we demonstrate that the electric field localized metal cations in outer Helmholtz plane can modulate interfacial Au-carboxyl contacts, realizing a reversible single-molecule switch. STM break junction and I-V measurements show the electrochemical gating of aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids have a conductance ON/OFF behavior in electrolyte solution containing metal cations (i.e., Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+), compared to almost no change in conductance without metal cations. In situ Raman spectra reveal strong molecular carboxyl-metal cation coordination at the negatively charged electrode surface, hindering the formation of molecular junctions for electron tunnelling. This work validates the critical role of localized cations in the electric double layer to regulate electron transport at the single-molecule level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Yi-Jing Gao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Green Syntheses and Applications of Fluorine-Containing Specialty Chemicals, Institute of Advanced Fluorine-Containing Materials, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Xiao-Chong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Ju-Fang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Yong Shao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China
| | - Ya-Hao Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China.
| | - Xiao-Shun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 321004, Jinhua, China.
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9
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Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang W, Binks BP, Cui Z, Jiang J. Charge Density Overcomes Steric Hindrance of Ferrocene Surfactant in Switchable Oil-in-Dispersion Emulsions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202210050. [PMID: 36328980 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202210050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A ferrocene surfactant can be switched between single and double head form (FcN+ C12 /Fc+ N+ C12 ) triggered by redox reaction. FcN+ C12 can neither stabilize an O/W emulsion alone nor an oil-in-dispersion emulsion in combination with alumina nanoparticles due to the steric hindrance of the ferrocene group. However, such steric hindrance can be overcome by increasing the charge density in Fc+ N+ C12 , so that oil-in-dispersion emulsions can be co-stabilized by Fc+ N+ C12 and alumina nanoparticles at very low concentrations (1×10-7 M (≈50 ppb) and 0.001 wt %, respectively). Not only can reversible formation/destabilization of oil-in-dispersion emulsions be achieved by redox reaction, but also reversible transformation between oil-in-dispersion emulsions and Pickering emulsions can be obtained through reversing the charge of alumina particles by adjusting the pH. The results provide a new protocol for the design of surfactants for stabilization of smart oil-in-dispersion emulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunshan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical & Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Haojie Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical & Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wanqing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical & Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Bernard P Binks
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Zhenggang Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical & Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jianzhong Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical & Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, 214122, China
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10
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Signatures of Room-Temperature Quantum Interference in Molecular Junctions. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:322-331. [PMID: 36693627 PMCID: PMC9910048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusDuring the past decade or so, research groups around the globe have sought to answer the question: "How does electricity flow through single molecules?" In seeking the answer to this question, a series of joint theory and experimental studies have demonstrated that electrons passing through single-molecule junctions exhibit exquisite quantum interference (QI) effects, which have no classical analogues in conventional circuits. These signatures of QI appear even at room temperature and can be described by simple quantum circuit rules and a rather intuitive magic ratio theory. The latter describes the effect of varying the connectivity of electrodes to a molecular core and how electrical conductance can be controlled by the addition of heteroatoms to molecular cores. The former describes how individual moieties contribute to the overall conductance of a molecule and how the overall conductance can change when the connectivities between different moieties are varied. Related circuit rules have been derived and demonstrated, which describe the effects of connectivity on Seebeck coefficients of organic molecules. This simplicity arises because when a molecule is placed between two electrodes, charge transfer between the molecule and electrodes causes the molecular energy levels to adjust, such that the Fermi energy (EF) of the electrodes lies within the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Consequently, when electrons of energy EF pass through a molecule, their phase is protected and transport takes place via phase-coherent tunneling. Remarkably, these effects have been scaled up to self-assembled monolayers of molecules, thereby creating two-dimensional materials, whose room temperature transport properties are controlled by QI. This leads to new molecular design strategies for increasing the on/off conductance ratio of molecular switches and to improving the performance of organic thermoelectric materials. In particular, destructive quantum interference has been shown to improve the Seebeck coefficient of organic molecules and increase their on/off ratio under the influence of electrochemical gating. The aim of this Account is to introduce the novice reader to these signatures of QI in molecules, many of which have been identified in joint studies involving our theory group in Lancaster University and experimental group in Bern University.
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11
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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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12
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Lv SL, Zeng C, Yu Z, Zheng JF, Wang YH, Shao Y, Zhou XS. Recent Advances in Single-Molecule Sensors Based on STM Break Junction Measurements. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080565. [PMID: 35892462 PMCID: PMC9329744 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule recognition and detection with the highest resolution measurement has been one of the ultimate goals in science and engineering. Break junction techniques, originally developed to measure single-molecule conductance, recently have also been proven to have the capacity for the label-free exploration of single-molecule physics and chemistry, which paves a new way for single-molecule detection with high temporal resolution. In this review, we outline the primary advances and potential of the STM break junction technique for qualitative identification and quantitative detection at a single-molecule level. The principles of operation of these single-molecule electrical sensing mainly in three regimes, ion, environmental pH and genetic material detection, are summarized. It clearly proves that the single-molecule electrical measurements with break junction techniques show a promising perspective for designing a simple, label-free and nondestructive electrical sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
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13
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Zhang H, Xu W, Song K, Lu T, Zhang G, Zang Y, Hong W, Zhang D. Dual Modulation of Single Molecule Conductance via Tuning Side Chains and Electric Field with Conjugated Molecules Entailing Intramolecular O•••S Interactions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105667. [PMID: 35434941 PMCID: PMC9189668 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105667] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Herein, single-molecule conductance studies of TBT1-TBT6 which entails 1,4-dithienylbenzene as the backbone and SMe groups as the anchoring units, with the scanning tunneling microscope break junction (STM-BJ) technique, are reported. The molecular conductance of TBT1 with intramolecular O•••S noncovalent interactions is enhanced by about one order of magnitude in comparison to their analogue TBT2 (which contains alkyl instead of alkoxy chains). By replacing the methoxy groups in TBT1 with extending alkoxy chains in TBT3, TBT4, and TBT5, the molecular backbones become twisted and as a consequence the single-molecule conductance decreases gradually, showing that the intramolecular O•••S noncovalent interaction is influenced by the structural features of alkoxy chains. More importantly, the single-molecule conductance of TBT3, TBT4, and TBT5 can be boosted by increasing the electric field applied to the molecular junctions. Remarkably, the conductance of TBT3, TBT4, and TBT5 can be reversibly modulated due to the conformational changes between twisted and planar ones by varying the electric field. These results demonstrate that molecules with intramolecular O•••S noncovalent interactions have the potential for in situ control of the electrical properties of molecular-scale devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Kai Song
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
| | - Taige Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Guanxin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yaping Zang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Deqing Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
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14
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Tao S, Zhang Q, Vezzoli A, Zhao C, Zhao C, Higgins SJ, Smogunov A, Dappe YJ, Nichols RJ, Yang L. Electrochemical gating for single-molecule electronics with hybrid Au|graphene contacts. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:6836-6844. [PMID: 35244656 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp05486d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The single-molecular conductance of a redox active viologen molecular bridge between Au|graphene electrodes has been studied in an electrochemical gating configuration in an ionic liquid medium. A clear "off-on-off" conductance switching behaviour has been achieved through gating of the redox state when the electrochemical potential is swept. The Au|viologen|graphene junctions show single-molecule conductance maxima centred close to the equilibrium redox potentials for both reduction steps. The peak conductance of Au|viologen|graphene junctions during the first reduction is significantly higher than that of previously measured Au|viologen|Au junctions. This shows that even though the central viologen moiety is not directly linked to the enclosing electrodes, substituting one gold contact for a graphene one nevertheless has a significant impact on junction conductance values. The experimental data was compared against two theoretical models, namely a phase coherent tunnelling and an incoherent "hopping" model. The former is a simple gating monoelectronic model within density functional theory (DFT) which discloses the charge state evolution of the molecule with electrode potential. The latter model is the collective Kuznetsov Ulstrup model for 2-step sequential charge transport through the redox centre in the adiabatic limit. The comparison of both models to the experimental data is discussed for the first time. This work opens perspectives for graphene-based molecular transistors with more effective gating and fundamental understanding of electrochemical electron transfer at the single molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China. .,Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China. .,Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Cezhou Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Simon J Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Alexander Smogunov
- SPEC, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Yannick J Dappe
- SPEC, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Richard J Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China. .,Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
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15
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Bosiak MJ, Zielińska AA, Trzaska P, Kędziera D, Adams J. Buchwald-Hartwig Amination of Aryl Halides with Heterocyclic Amines in the Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Benzodifuran-Based Star-Shaped Organic Semiconductors. J Org Chem 2021; 86:17594-17605. [PMID: 34860523 PMCID: PMC8689646 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c01583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The study of palladium-catalyzed amination of bromobenzene with aromatic and heterocyclic amines, widely used in the synthesis of organic semiconductors, was performed. The best conditions for the coupling of aryl bromides with carbazole, diphenylamine, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, 9,9-dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine, and their derivatives have been developed. Based on the results, nine new star-shaped organic semiconductors, exhibiting up to 100% fluorescent quantum yield in the 400-550 nm range, have been synthesized in good yields. The TDDFT calculations of the absorption spectra revealed a good correlation with experimental results and slight solvatochromic effects with a change in the polarity of the solvent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz J Bosiak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland.,Noctiluca SA, 7/41B Gagarina Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Alicja A Zielińska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences "Academia Scientiarum Thoruniensis", Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 5 Grudziądzka Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland.,Noctiluca SA, 7/41B Gagarina Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Piotr Trzaska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland.,Noctiluca SA, 7/41B Gagarina Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kędziera
- Department of Chemistry of Materials Adsorption and Catalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin Street, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Jörg Adams
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Clausthal University of Technology, Arnold-Sommerfeld-Str. 4, 38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Germany
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16
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Pei LQ, Horsley JR, Seng JW, Liu X, Yeoh YQ, Yu MX, Wu XH, Abell AD, Zheng JF, Zhou XS, Yu J, Jin S. Mechanically Induced Switching between Two Discrete Conductance States: A Potential Single-Molecule Variable Resistor. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:57646-57653. [PMID: 34797047 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of solid-state single-molecule switches with high on-off conductance ratios has been proposed to advance conventional technology in areas such as molecular electronics. Herein, we employed the scanning tunneling microscope break junction (STM-BJ) technique to modulate conductance in single-molecule junctions using mechanically induced stretching. Compound 1a possesses two dihydrobenzothiophene (DHBT) anchoring groups at the opposite ends linked with rigid alkyne side arms to form a gold-molecule-gold junction, while 1b contains 4-pyridine-anchoring groups. The incorporation of ferrocene into the backbone of each compound allows rotational freedom to the cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings to give two distinct conductance states (high and low) for each. Various control experiments and suspended junction compression/retraction measurements indicate that these high- and low-conductance plateaus are the results of conformational changes within the junctions (extended and folded states) brought about by mechanically induced stretching. A high-low switching factor of 42 was achieved for 1a, whereas an exceptional conductance ratio in excess of 2 orders of magnitude (205) was observed for 1b. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest experimental on-off conductance switching ratio for a single-molecule junction exploiting the mechanically induced STM-BJ method. Computational studies indicated that the two disparate conductance states observed for 1a and 1b result from mechanically induced conformational changes due to an interplay between conductance and the dihedral angles associated with the electrode-molecule interfaces. Our study reveals the structure-function relationship that determines conductance in such flexible and dynamic systems and promotes the development of a single-molecule variable resistor with high on-off switching factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Qi Pei
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - John R Horsley
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jing-Wen Seng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yuan Qi Yeoh
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ming-Xia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Andrew D Abell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ju-Fang Zheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Shun Zhou
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Reactive Chemistry on Solid Surfaces, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingxian Yu
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Shan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
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17
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STM studies of electron transfer through single molecules at electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Li H, Komatsu R, Hankache J, Sasabe H, Lawson Daku LM, Özen B, Chen S, Hauser J, Hauser A, Decurtins S, Kido J, Liu SX. Bis(Triphenylamine)Benzodifuran Chromophores: Synthesis, Electronic Properties and Application in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes. Front Chem 2021; 9:721272. [PMID: 34368088 PMCID: PMC8333860 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.721272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of bis(triphenylamine)benzodifuran chromophores have been synthesized and fully characterised. Starting from suitably functionalized benzodifuran (BDF) precursors, two triphenylamine (TPA) moieties are symmetrically coupled to a central BDF unit either at 4,8-positions through double bonds (1) and single bonds (2) respectively, or at 2,6-positions through double bonds (3). Their electronic absorption and photoluminescence properties as well as redox behaviour have been investigated in detail, indicating that the π-extended conjugation via vinyl linkers in 1 and 3 leads to comparatively strong electronic interactions between the relevant redox moieties TPA and BDF. Due to intriguing electronic properties and structural planarity, 3a has been applied as a dopant emitter in organic light-emitting diodes. A yellowish-green OLED exhibits a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 6.2%, thus exceeding the theoretical upper limit most likely due to energy transfer from an interface exciplex to an emissive layer and/or favorable horizontal orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ryutaro Komatsu
- Department of Organic Device Engineering Research Center for Organic Electronics, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Jihane Hankache
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hisahiro Sasabe
- Department of Organic Device Engineering Research Center for Organic Electronics, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Bilal Özen
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Songjie Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Hauser
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hauser
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Junji Kido
- Department of Organic Device Engineering Research Center for Organic Electronics, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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19
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O'Driscoll LJ, Bryce MR. A review of oligo(arylene ethynylene) derivatives in molecular junctions. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:10668-10711. [PMID: 34110337 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02023d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Oligo(arylene ethynylene) (OAE) derivatives are the "workhorse" molecules of molecular electronics. Their ease of synthesis and flexibility of functionalisation mean that a diverse array of OAE molecular wires have been designed, synthesised and studied theoretically and experimentally in molecular junctions using both single-molecule and ensemble methods. This review summarises the breadth of molecular designs that have been investigated with emphasis on structure-property relationships with respect to the electronic conductance of OAEs. The factors considered include molecular length, connectivity, conjugation, (anti)aromaticity, heteroatom effects and quantum interference (QI). Growing interest in the thermoelectric properties of OAE derivatives, which are expected to be at the forefront of research into organic thermoelectric devices, is also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J O'Driscoll
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, UKDH1 3LE.
| | - Martin R Bryce
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, UKDH1 3LE.
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20
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Schmiel S, Butenschön H. New π‐Extended 1,1′‐Disubstituted Ferrocenes with Thioate and Dithioate End Groups. European J Org Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202100335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sinem‐Fatma Schmiel
- Institut für Organische Chemie Leibniz Universität Hannover Schneiderberg 1B 30167 Hannover Germany
| | - Holger Butenschön
- Institut für Organische Chemie Leibniz Universität Hannover Schneiderberg 1B 30167 Hannover Germany
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21
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Chen Y, Huang L, Chen H, Chen Z, Zhang H, Xiao Z, Hong W. Towards Responsive
Single‐Molecule
Device. CHINESE J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202000420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yaorong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
| | - Longfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
| | - Hang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
| | - Zhixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
| | - Hewei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
| | - Zongyuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian 361005 China
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22
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Wang YH, Yan F, Li DF, Xi YF, Cao R, Zheng JF, Shao Y, Jin S, Chen JZ, Zhou XS. Enhanced Gating Performance of Single-Molecule Conductance by Heterocyclic Molecules. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:758-763. [PMID: 33405930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Enhancing the gating performance of single-molecule conductance is significant for realizing molecular transistors. Herein, we report a new strategy to improve the electrochemical gating efficiency of single-molecule conductance with fused molecular structures consisting of heterocyclic rings of furan, thiophene, or selenophene. One order magnitude of gating ratio is achieved within a potential window of 1.2 V for the selenophene-based molecule, which is significantly greater than that of other heterocyclic and benzene ring molecules. This is caused by the different electronic structures of heterocyclic molecules and transmission coefficients T(E), and preliminary resonance tunneling is achieved through the highest occupied molecular orbital at high potential. The current work experimentally shows that electrochemical gating performance can be significantly modulated by the alignment of the conducting orbital of the heterocyclic molecule relative to the metal Fermi energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hao Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Dong-Fang Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
- Santen Pharmaceutical (China) Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215026, China
| | - Yan-Feng Xi
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Rui Cao
- Department of Physics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ju-Fang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Yong Shao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Shan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jing-Zhe Chen
- Department of Physics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiao-Shun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
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23
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Ie Y, Okamoto Y, Inoue T, Seo T, Ohto T, Yamada R, Tada H, Aso Y. Improving Intramolecular Hopping Charge Transport via Periodical Segmentation of π-Conjugation in a Molecule. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:599-603. [PMID: 33350820 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c10560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The development of several-nanometer-scale π-conjugated systems for efficient intramolecular hopping charge transport remains a significant challenge. To construct localized electronic structures at the same energy in a molecule, a series of oligothiophenes, with lengths up to 10 nm and periodically twisted structures, was synthesized. Single-molecule conductance measurements of the twisted molecules revealed resistances lower than those of planar oligothiophenes. This study provides a rational molecular design to improve the intramolecular hopping charge transport in materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Ie
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Yuji Okamoto
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takuya Inoue
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Takuji Seo
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Ohto
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamada
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tada
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Yoshio Aso
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (ISIR), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
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24
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Han Y, Nijhuis CA. Functional Redox-Active Molecular Tunnel Junctions. Chem Asian J 2020; 15:3752-3770. [PMID: 33015998 PMCID: PMC7756406 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Redox-active molecular junctions have attracted considerable attention because redox-active molecules provide accessible energy levels enabling electronic function at the molecular length scales, such as, rectification, conductance switching, or molecular transistors. Unlike charge transfer in wet electrochemical environments, it is still challenging to understand how redox-processes proceed in solid-state molecular junctions which lack counterions and solvent molecules to stabilize the charge on the molecules. In this minireview, we first introduce molecular junctions based on redox-active molecules and discuss their properties from both a chemistry and nanoelectronics point of view, and then discuss briefly the mechanisms of charge transport in solid-state redox-junctions followed by examples where redox-molecules generate new electronic function. We conclude with challenges that need to be addressed and interesting future directions from a chemical engineering and molecular design perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Han
- Department of ChemistryNational University of Singapore3 Science Drive 3Singapore117543Singapore
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department of ChemistryNational University of Singapore3 Science Drive 3Singapore117543Singapore
- Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and Graphene Research CentreNational University of Singapore6 Science Drive 2Singapore117546Singapore
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25
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Ait-Touchente Z, Falah S, Scavetta E, Chehimi MM, Touzani R, Tonelli D, Taleb A. Different Electrochemical Sensor Designs Based on Diazonium Salts and Gold Nanoparticles for Pico Molar Detection of Metals. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173903. [PMID: 32867096 PMCID: PMC7504431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a comparison of sensors’ performance of different hybrid nanomaterial architectures modifying an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface. Diazonium salts and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used as building units to design hybrid thin films of successive layers on the ITO electrode surface. Different architectures of hybrid thin films were prepared and characterized with different techniques, such as TEM, FEG-SEM, XPS, and EIS. The prepared electrodes were used to fabricate sensors for heavy metal detection and their performances were investigated using the square wave voltammetry (SWV) method. The comparison of the obtained results shows that the deposition of AuNPs on the ITO surface, and their subsequent functionalization by diazonium salt, is the best performing architecture achieving a high sensitivity in terms of the lower detection limit of pico molar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zouhair Ait-Touchente
- Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, Chimie ParisTech, PSL University-CNRS, 75005 Paris, France; (Z.A.-T.); (S.F.)
| | - Sana Falah
- Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, Chimie ParisTech, PSL University-CNRS, 75005 Paris, France; (Z.A.-T.); (S.F.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université El Manar, Campus Universitaire El Manar II, Tunis El Manar 2029, Tunisie
| | - Erika Scavetta
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Mohamed M. Chehimi
- CNRS, ICMPE, UMR 7182, Université Paris Est Créteil, 2-8 rue Dunant, F-94320 Thiais, France;
| | - Rachid Touzani
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry & Environment, Faculty of Science, Mohammed Premier University, Oujda 60000, Morocco;
| | - Domenica Tonelli
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Abdelhafed Taleb
- Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, Chimie ParisTech, PSL University-CNRS, 75005 Paris, France; (Z.A.-T.); (S.F.)
- Sorbonne université, 4 place Jussieu, 75231 Paris, France
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +33-1-8578-4197
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26
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Zhao ZH, Wang L, Li S, Zhang WD, He G, Wang D, Hou SM, Wan LJ. Single-Molecule Conductance through an Isoelectronic B–N Substituted Phenanthrene Junction. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:8068-8073. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Technology, University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shi Li
- Key Laboratory for Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices and Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Gang He
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Dong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shi-Min Hou
- Key Laboratory for Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices and Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Li-Jun Wan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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27
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Siddiqui SA. Molecular modelling and simulation for the design of molecular diodes using density functional theory. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2020.1726913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shamoon Ahmad Siddiqui
- Promising Centre for Sensors and Electronic Devices, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physics, College of Arts and Science, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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28
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Baghernejad M, Yang Y, Al-Owaedi OA, Aeschi Y, Zeng BF, Abd Dawood ZM, Li X, Liu J, Shi J, Decurtins S, Liu SX, Hong W, Lambert CJ. Constructive Quantum Interference in Single-Molecule Benzodichalcogenophene Junctions. Chemistry 2020; 26:5264-5269. [PMID: 32022327 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201905878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Heteroatom substitution into the cores of alternant, aromatic hydrocarbons containing only even-membered rings is attracting increasing interest as a method of tuning their electrical conductance. Here, the effect of heteroatom substitution into molecular cores of non-alternant hydrocarbons, containing odd-membered rings, is examined. Benzodichalcogenophene (BDC) compounds are rigid, planar π-conjugated structures, with molecular cores containing five-membered rings fused to a six-membered aryl ring. To probe the sensitivity or resilience of constructive quantum interference (CQI) in these non-bipartite molecular cores, two C2 -symmetric molecules (I and II) and one asymmetric molecule (III) were investigated. I (II) contains S (O) heteroatoms in each of the five-membered rings, while III contains an S in one five-membered ring and an O in the other. Differences in their conductances arise primarily from the longer S-C and shorter O-C bond lengths compared with the C-C bond and the associated changes in their resonance integrals. Although the conductance of III is significantly lower than the conductances of the others, CQI was found to be resilient and persist in all molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Baghernejad
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Oday A Al-Owaedi
- Department of Laser Physics, Women Faculty of Science, The University of Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Yves Aeschi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Biao-Feng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Zahra Murtada Abd Dawood
- Department of Laser Physics, Women Faculty of Science, The University of Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Junyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Jia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Department of Physics, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK), E-mail
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29
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Improving Gating Efficiency of Electron Transport through Redox‐Active Molecular Junctions with Conjugated Chains. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201902076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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30
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Zhou P, Aschauer U, Decurtins S, Feurer T, Häner R, Liu SX. Chemical control of photoinduced charge-transfer direction in a tetrathiafulvalene-fused dipyrrolylquinoxaline difluoroborate dyad. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:13421-13424. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc05736c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chemical regulation of a distinct photoinduced charge flow over multiple pathways present in an electron donor–acceptor dyad is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Aschauer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Thomas Feurer
- Institute of Applied Physics
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Robert Häner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- University of Bern
- CH-3012 Bern
- Switzerland
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31
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Afsari S, Yasini P, Peng H, Perdew JP, Borguet E. Anisotropic Conductivity at the Single‐Molecule Scale. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:14275-14280. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201903898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Afsari
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Parisa Yasini
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Haowei Peng
- Department of Physics Temple University 1925 N 12th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - John P. Perdew
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
- Department of Physics Temple University 1925 N 12th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Eric Borguet
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
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32
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Afsari S, Yasini P, Peng H, Perdew JP, Borguet E. Anisotropic Conductivity at the Single‐Molecule Scale. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201903898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Afsari
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Parisa Yasini
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Haowei Peng
- Department of Physics Temple University 1925 N 12th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - John P. Perdew
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
- Department of Physics Temple University 1925 N 12th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
| | - Eric Borguet
- Department of Chemistry Temple University 1901 N. 13th St. Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
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33
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34
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Liu X, Li X, Sangtarash S, Sadeghi H, Decurtins S, Häner R, Hong W, Lambert CJ, Liu SX. Probing Lewis acid-base interactions in single-molecule junctions. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:18131-18134. [PMID: 30256379 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr06562d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A novel strategy to regulate the tunneling mechanism for charge transport through an organoborane wire via Lewis acid-base interactions has been developed. A change from LUMO- to HOMO-dominated charge transport upon the addition of the fluoride is verified both experimentally and theoretically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunshan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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35
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Leary E, Limburg B, Alanazy A, Sangtarash S, Grace I, Swada K, Esdaile LJ, Noori M, González MT, Rubio-Bollinger G, Sadeghi H, Hodgson A, Agraı̈t N, Higgins SJ, Lambert CJ, Anderson HL, Nichols RJ. Bias-Driven Conductance Increase with Length in Porphyrin Tapes. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:12877-12883. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b06338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Leary
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
- Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Bart Limburg
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Alanazy
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Sangtarash
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Grace
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Katsutoshi Swada
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Louisa J. Esdaile
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Noori
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
- Physics Department, College of Science, University of Thi Qar, Thi Qar 0964, Iraq
| | - M. Teresa González
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados (IMDEA), Calle Faraday 9, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gabino Rubio-Bollinger
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, IFIMAC and Instituto “Nicolás Cabrera”, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Hatef Sadeghi
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Hodgson
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
- Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolás Agraı̈t
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados (IMDEA), Calle Faraday 9, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, IFIMAC and Instituto “Nicolás Cabrera”, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Simon J. Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Colin J. Lambert
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Harry L. Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
- Surface Science Research Centre and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
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36
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Yuan Y, Yan JF, Lin DQ, Mao BW, Yuan YF. Ferrocene-Alkynyl Conjugated Molecular Wires: Synthesis, Characterization, and Conductance Properties. Chemistry 2018; 24:3545-3555. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201705176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- Department of Chemistry; Fuzhou University; Fuzhou 350116 China
| | - Jian-Feng Yan
- Department of Chemistry; Fuzhou University; Fuzhou 350116 China
| | - Da-Qiang Lin
- Department of Chemistry; Fuzhou University; Fuzhou 350116 China
| | - Bing-Wei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Xiamen University; Xiamen 361005 China
| | - Yao-Feng Yuan
- Department of Chemistry; Fuzhou University; Fuzhou 350116 China
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37
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Morteza Najarian A, Bayat A, McCreery RL. Orbital Control of Photocurrents in Large Area All-Carbon Molecular Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:1900-1909. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Morteza Najarian
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
- National
Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Akhtar Bayat
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
- National
Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Richard L. McCreery
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
- National
Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
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38
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Cui HL, Deng HQ, Lei JJ. Metal-free one-pot synthesis of benzofurans with ynones and quinones through aza-Michael/Michael/annulation sequence. Tetrahedron 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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39
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Lovat G, Choi B, Paley DW, Steigerwald ML, Venkataraman L, Roy X. Room-temperature current blockade in atomically defined single-cluster junctions. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 12:1050-1054. [PMID: 28805817 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2017.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fabricating nanoscopic devices capable of manipulating and processing single units of charge is an essential step towards creating functional devices where quantum effects dominate transport characteristics. The archetypal single-electron transistor comprises a small conducting or semiconducting island separated from two metallic reservoirs by insulating barriers. By enabling the transfer of a well-defined number of charge carriers between the island and the reservoirs, such a device may enable discrete single-electron operations. Here, we describe a single-molecule junction comprising a redox-active, atomically precise cobalt chalcogenide cluster wired between two nanoscopic electrodes. We observe current blockade at room temperature in thousands of single-cluster junctions. Below a threshold voltage, charge transfer across the junction is suppressed. The device is turned on when the temporary occupation of the core states by a transiting carrier is energetically enabled, resulting in a sequential tunnelling process and an increase in current by a factor of ∼600. We perform in situ and ex situ cyclic voltammetry as well as density functional theory calculations to unveil a two-step process mediated by an orbital localized on the core of the cluster in which charge carriers reside before tunnelling to the collector reservoir. As the bias window of the junction is opened wide enough to include one of the cluster frontier orbitals, the current blockade is lifted and charge carriers can tunnel sequentially across the junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Lovat
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Bonnie Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Daniel W Paley
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- Columbia Nano Initiative, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | | | - Latha Venkataraman
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
| | - Xavier Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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40
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Nonlinear and Nonsymmetric Single-Molecule Electronic Properties Towards Molecular Information Processing. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:79. [DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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41
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A terpy-functionalized benzodifuran-based fluorescent probe for in vitro monitoring cellular Zn(II) uptake. Polyhedron 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2017.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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42
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Tamaki T, Ohto T, Yamada R, Tada H, Ogawa T. Analysis of Single Molecule Conductance of Heterogeneous Porphyrin Arrays by Partial Transmission Probabilities. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201701015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tamaki
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate school of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka; Osaka 560-0043 Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Ohto
- Division of Future Materials; Graduate school of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka; Osaka 560-8531 Japan
| | - Ryo Yamada
- Division of Future Materials; Graduate school of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka; Osaka 560-8531 Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tada
- Division of Future Materials; Graduate school of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka; Osaka 560-8531 Japan
| | - Takuji Ogawa
- Department of Chemistry; Graduate school of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka; Osaka 560-0043 Japan
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43
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Jeong H, Kim D, Xiang D, Lee T. High-Yield Functional Molecular Electronic Devices. ACS NANO 2017; 11:6511-6548. [PMID: 28578582 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b02967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An ultimate goal of molecular electronics, which seeks to incorporate molecular components into electronic circuit units, is to generate functional molecular electronic devices using individual or ensemble molecules to fulfill the increasing technical demands of the miniaturization of traditional silicon-based electronics. This review article presents a summary of recent efforts to pursue this ultimate aim, covering the development of reliable device platforms for high-yield ensemble molecular junctions and their utilization in functional molecular electronic devices, in which distinctive electronic functionalities are observed due to the functional molecules. In addition, other aspects pertaining to the practical application of molecular devices such as manufacturing compatibility with existing complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology, their integration, and flexible device applications are also discussed. These advances may contribute to a deeper understanding of charge transport characteristics through functional molecular junctions and provide a desirable roadmap for future practical molecular electronics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunhak Jeong
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Dongku Kim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Dong Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University , Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Korea
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44
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Al-Owaedi OA, Bock S, Milan DC, Oerthel MC, Inkpen MS, Yufit DS, Sobolev AN, Long NJ, Albrecht T, Higgins SJ, Bryce MR, Nichols RJ, Lambert CJ, Low PJ. Insulated molecular wires: inhibiting orthogonal contacts in metal complex based molecular junctions. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:9902-9912. [PMID: 28678257 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr01829k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metal complexes are receiving increased attention as molecular wires in fundamental studies of the transport properties of metal|molecule|metal junctions. In this context we report the single-molecule conductance of a systematic series of d8 square-planar platinum(ii) trans-bis(alkynyl) complexes with terminal trimethylsilylethynyl (C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3) contacting groups, e.g. trans-Pt{C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC6H4C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3}2(PR3)2 (R = Ph or Et), using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments in solution and theoretical calculations using density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. The measured conductance values of the complexes (ca. 3-5 × 10-5G0) are commensurate with similarly structured all-organic oligo(phenylene ethynylene) and oligo(yne) compounds. Based on conductance and break-off distance data, we demonstrate that a PPh3 supporting ligand in the platinum complexes can provide an alternative contact point for the STM tip in the molecular junctions, orthogonal to the terminal C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3 group. The attachment of hexyloxy side chains to the diethynylbenzene ligands, e.g. trans-Pt{C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC6H2(Ohex)2C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3}2(PPh3)2 (Ohex = OC6H13), hinders contact of the STM tip to the PPh3 groups and effectively insulates the molecule, allowing the conductance through the full length of the backbone to be reliably measured. The use of trialkylphosphine (PEt3), rather than triarylphosphine (PPh3), ancillary ligands at platinum also eliminates these orthogonal contacts. These results have significant implications for the future design of organometallic complexes for studies in molecular junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oday A Al-Owaedi
- Department of Physics, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK. and Department of Laser Physics, Women Faculty of Science, Babylon University, Hilla, Iraq
| | - Sören Bock
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - David C Milan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | | | - Michael S Inkpen
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Dmitry S Yufit
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Alexandre N Sobolev
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth 6009, Australia and Centre for Microscopy Characterization and Analysis, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Long
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tim Albrecht
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Simon J Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Martin R Bryce
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Richard J Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Department of Physics, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, UK.
| | - Paul J Low
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth 6009, Australia
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45
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Liu Z, Ren S, Guo X. Switching Effects in Molecular Electronic Devices. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:56. [PMID: 28493206 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0144-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The creation of molecular electronic switches by using smart molecules is of great importance to the field of molecular electronics. This requires a fundamental understanding of the intrinsic electron transport mechanisms, which depend on several factors including the charge transport pathway, the molecule-electrode coupling strength, the energy of the molecular frontier orbitals, and the electron spin state. On the basis of significant progresses achieved in both experiments and theory over the past decade, in this review article we focus on new insights into the design and fabrication of different molecular switches and the corresponding switching effects, which is crucial to the development of molecular electronics. We summarize the strategies developed for single-molecule device fabrication and the mechanism of these switching effects. These analyses should be valuable for deeply understanding the switching effects in molecular electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Shizhao Ren
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
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Wang K, Xu B. Modulation and Control of Charge Transport Through Single-Molecule Junctions. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:17. [PMID: 28120303 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The ability to modulate and control charge transport though single-molecule junction devices is crucial to achieving the ultimate goal of molecular electronics: constructing real-world-applicable electronic components from single molecules. This review aims to highlight the progress made in single-molecule electronics, emphasizing the development of molecular junction electronics in recent years. Among many techniques that attempt to wire a molecule to metallic electrodes, the single-molecule break junction (SMBJ) technique is one of the most reliable and tunable experimental platforms for achieving metal-molecule-metal configurations. It also provides great freedom to tune charge transport through the junction. Soon after the SMBJ technique was introduced, it was extensively used to measure the conductances of individual molecules; however, different conductances were obtained for the same molecule, and it proved difficult to interpret this wide distribution of experimental data. This phenomenon was later found to be mainly due to a lack of precise experimental control and advanced data analysis methods. In recent years, researchers have directed considerable effort into advancing the SMBJ technique by gaining a deeper physical understanding of charge transport through single molecules and thus enhancing its potential applicability in functional molecular-scale electronic devices, such as molecular diodes and molecular transistors. In parallel with that research, novel data analysis methods and approaches that enable the discovery of hidden yet important features in the data are being developed. This review discusses various aspects of molecular junction electronics, from the initial goal of molecular electronics, the development of experimental techniques for creating single-molecule junctions and determining single-molecule conductance, to the characterization of functional current-voltage features and the investigation of physical properties other than charge transport. In addition, the development of advanced data analysis methods is considered, as they are critical to gaining detailed physical insight into the underlying transport mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and NanoSEC, University of Georgia, 220 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Bingqian Xu
- College of Engineering and NanoSEC, University of Georgia, 220 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Kiguchi M, Fujii S. Governing the Metal–Molecule Interface: Towards New Functionality in Single-Molecule Junctions. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2017. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20160229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Yu Y, Chen Y, Wu W, Jiang H. Facile synthesis of cyanofurans via Michael-addition/cyclization of ene–yne–ketones with trimethylsilyl cyanide. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:640-643. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc08320j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Carbene migratory insertion? No! Ene–yne–ketones were utilized as a Michael-addition acceptor to react with TMSCN, affording a series of cyanofurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510640
- China
| | - Yang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510640
- China
| | - Wanqing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510640
- China
| | - Huanfeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- South China University of Technology
- Guangzhou 510640
- China
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Abstract
It is now possible to reliably measure single molecule conductance in a wide variety of environments including organic liquids, ultrahigh vacuum, water, ionic liquids, and electrolytes. The most commonly used methods deploy scanning probe microscopes, mechanically formed break junctions, or lithographically formed nanogap contacts. Molecules are generally captured between a pair of facing electrodes, and the junction current response is measured as a function of bias voltage. Gating electrodes can also be added so that the electrostatic potential at the molecular bridge can be independently controlled by this third noncontacting electrode. This can also be achieved in an electrolytic environment using a four-electrode bipotentiostatic configuration, which allows independent electrode potential control of the two contacting electrodes. This is commonly realized using an electrochemical STM and enables single molecule electrical characterization as a function of electrode potential and redox state of the molecular bridge. This has emerged as a powerful tool in modern interfacial electrochemistry and nanoelectrochemistry for studying charge transport across single molecules as a function of electrode potential and the electrolytic environments. Such measurements are possible in electrolytes ranging from aqueous buffers to nonaqueous ionic liquids. In this Account, we illustrate a number of examples of single molecule electrical measurements under electrode potential control use a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and demonstrate how these can help in the understanding of charge transport in single molecule junctions. Examples showing charge transport following phase coherent tunneling to incoherent charge hopping across redox active molecular bridges are shown. In the case of bipyridinium (or viologen) molecular wires, it is shown how electrochemical reduction leads to an increase of the single molecule conductance, which is controlled by the liquid electrochemical gating. This has been referred to as to a "single molecule transistor configuration" with the gate voltage being provided by the controllable potential achieved through the electrochemical double layer. It is shown how the electrolyte medium can control such gating, with ionic liquids providing more efficient gate coupling than aqueous electrolytes. Control of the conductance of viologen molecular wires can also be achieved by encapsulating the viologen redox moiety within a molecular cage, thereby controlling its immediate environment. Molecular conductance can also be gated through multiple redox states. This has been shown for the redox moiety pyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene, which undergoes single molecule electrochemical transistor gating through three redox states in molecular junctions. Charge transport through this junction follows a two-step hopping mechanism, demonstrating the role of the redox center in electron transfer across the molecular bridge. Recent electrolyte gating studies of rigid, conjugated redox-active metal complexes with tailored terpyridine coordinating ligands and anchors are also presented. These aforementioned studies have all been performed with gold electrode contacts. The Account concludes with recent data showing that it is now possible to study single molecule electrochemical gating with nickel electrodes. This opens up new perspectives for studying interfacial charge transfer with a wide variety of other electrode materials including semiconductor electrodes and also points toward future opportunities for coupling molecular spintronics and nanoelectrochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
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Xiang D, Wang X, Jia C, Lee T, Guo X. Molecular-Scale Electronics: From Concept to Function. Chem Rev 2016; 116:4318-440. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 816] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xiang
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for
Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Key
Laboratory of Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute
of Modern Optics, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for
Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for
Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for
Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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