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Sen S, Mitchell AK. Many-Body Quantum Interference Route to the Two-Channel Kondo Effect: Inverse Design for Molecular Junctions and Quantum Dot Devices. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 133:076501. [PMID: 39213568 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.133.076501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Molecular junctions-whether actual single molecules in nanowire break junctions or artificial molecules realized in coupled quantum dot devices-offer unique functionality due to their orbital complexity, strong electron interactions, gate control, and many-body effects from hybridization with the external electronic circuit. Inverse design involves finding candidate structures that perform a desired function optimally. Here we develop an inverse design strategy for generalized quantum impurity models describing molecular junctions, and as an example, use it to demonstrate that many-body quantum interference can be leveraged to realize the two-channel Kondo critical point in simple 4- or 5-site molecular moieties. We show that remarkably high Kondo temperatures can be achieved, meaning that entropy and transport signatures should be experimentally accessible.
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2
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McRae AC, Wei G, Huang L, Yigen S, Tayari V, Champagne AR. Mechanical Control of Quantum Transport in Graphene. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2313629. [PMID: 38558481 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
2D materials (2DMs) are fundamentally electro-mechanical systems. Their environment unavoidably strains them and modifies their quantum transport properties. For instance, a simple uniaxial strain can completely turn off the conductance of ballistic graphene or switch on/off the superconducting phase of magic-angle bilayer graphene. This article reports measurements of quantum transport in strained graphene transistors which agree quantitatively with models based on mechanically-induced gauge potentials. A scalar potential is mechanically induced in situ to modify graphene's work function by up to 25 meV. Mechanically generated vector potentials suppress the ballistic conductance of graphene by up to 30% and control its quantum interferences. The data are measured with a custom experimental platform able to precisely tune both the mechanics and electrostatics of suspended graphene transistors at low-temperature over a broad range of strain (up to 2.6%). This work opens many opportunities to harness quantitative strain effects in 2DM quantum transport and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C McRae
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Guoqing Wei
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Linxiang Huang
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Serap Yigen
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Vahid Tayari
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
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3
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Hayakawa R, Wakayama Y. Vertical molecular transistors: a new strategy towards practical quantum devices. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 34:502002. [PMID: 37800179 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/acfb0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Considerable effort has been dedicated to improving molecular devices since they were initially proposed by Aviram and Ratner in 1974. Organic molecules are small and have discrete molecular orbitals. These features can facilitate fascinating quantum transport phenomena, such as single-carrier tunneling, resonant tunneling, and quantum interference. The effective gate modulation of these quantum transport phenomena holds the promise of realizing a new computing architecture that differs from that of current Si electronics. In this article, we review the recent research progress on molecular transistors, specifically vertical molecular transistors (VMTs). First, we discuss the benefits of VMTs for future molecular-scale transistors compared with the currently dominant lateral molecular transistors. Subsequently, we describe representative examples of VMTs, where single molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and isolated molecules are used as transistor channels. Finally, we present our conclusions and perspectives about the use of VMTs for attractive quantum devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Hayakawa
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Yutaka Wakayama
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
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4
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Li T, Bandari VK, Schmidt OG. Molecular Electronics: Creating and Bridging Molecular Junctions and Promoting Its Commercialization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209088. [PMID: 36512432 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Molecular electronics is driven by the dream of expanding Moore's law to the molecular level for next-generation electronics through incorporating individual or ensemble molecules into electronic circuits. For nearly 50 years, numerous efforts have been made to explore the intrinsic properties of molecules and develop diverse fascinating molecular electronic devices with the desired functionalities. The flourishing of molecular electronics is inseparable from the development of various elegant methodologies for creating nanogap electrodes and bridging the nanogap with molecules. This review first focuses on the techniques for making lateral and vertical nanogap electrodes by breaking, narrowing, and fixed modes, and highlights their capabilities, applications, merits, and shortcomings. After summarizing the approaches of growing single molecules or molecular layers on the electrodes, the methods of constructing a complete molecular circuit are comprehensively grouped into three categories: 1) directly bridging one-molecule-electrode component with another electrode, 2) physically bridging two-molecule-electrode components, and 3) chemically bridging two-molecule-electrode components. Finally, the current state of molecular circuit integration and commercialization is discussed and perspectives are provided, hoping to encourage the community to accelerate the realization of fully scalable molecular electronics for a new era of integrated microsystems and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Li
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09111, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Vineeth Kumar Bandari
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09111, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Oliver G Schmidt
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09111, Chemnitz, Germany
- Nanophysics, Dresden University of Technology, 01069, Dresden, Germany
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5
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Mo F, Spano CE, Ardesi Y, Ruo Roch M, Piccinini G, Graziano M. Design of Pyrrole-Based Gate-Controlled Molecular Junctions Optimized for Single-Molecule Aflatoxin B1 Detection. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23031687. [PMID: 36772727 PMCID: PMC9919708 DOI: 10.3390/s23031687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Food contamination by aflatoxins is an urgent global issue due to its high level of toxicity and the difficulties in limiting the diffusion. Unfortunately, current detection techniques, which mainly use biosensing, prevent the pervasive monitoring of aflatoxins throughout the agri-food chain. In this work, we investigate, through ab initio atomistic calculations, a pyrrole-based Molecular Field Effect Transistor (MolFET) as a single-molecule sensor for the amperometric detection of aflatoxins. In particular, we theoretically explain the gate-tuned current modulation from a chemical-physical perspective, and we support our insights through simulations. In addition, this work demonstrates that, for the case under consideration, the use of a suitable gate voltage permits a considerable enhancement in the sensor performance. The gating effect raises the current modulation due to aflatoxin from 100% to more than 103÷104%. In particular, the current is diminished by two orders of magnitude from the μA range to the nA range due to the presence of aflatoxin B1. Our work motivates future research efforts in miniaturized FET electrical detection for future pervasive electrical measurement of aflatoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Mo
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Elfi Spano
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Yuri Ardesi
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ruo Roch
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Gianluca Piccinini
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Graziano
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy
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6
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Shin J, Eo JS, Jeon T, Lee T, Wang G. Advances of Various Heterogeneous Structure Types in Molecular Junction Systems and Their Charge Transport Properties. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202399. [PMID: 35975456 PMCID: PMC9596861 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Molecular electronics that can produce functional electronic circuits using a single molecule or molecular ensemble remains an attractive research field because it not only represents an essential step toward realizing ultimate electronic device scaling but may also expand our understanding of the intrinsic quantum transports at the molecular level. Recently, in order to overcome the difficulties inherent in the conventional approach to studying molecular electronics and developing functional device applications, this field has attempted to diversify the electrical characteristics and device architectures using various types of heterogeneous structures in molecular junctions. This review summarizes recent efforts devoted to functional devices with molecular heterostructures. Diverse molecules and materials can be combined and incorporated in such two- and three-terminal heterojunction structures, to achieve desirable electronic functionalities. The heterojunction structures, charge transport mechanisms, and possible strategies for implementing electronic functions using various hetero unit materials are presented sequentially. In addition, the applicability and merits of molecular heterojunction structures, as well as the anticipated challenges associated with their implementation in device applications are discussed and summarized. This review will contribute to a deeper understanding of charge transport through molecular heterojunction, and it may pave the way toward desirable electronic functionalities in molecular electronics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeho Shin
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Korea
- Department of ChemistryRice University6100 Main StreetHoustonTexas77005United States
| | - Jung Sun Eo
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Korea
| | - Takgyeong Jeon
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Korea
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department of Physics and AstronomyInstitute of Applied PhysicsSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Korea
| | - Gunuk Wang
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and TechnologyKorea UniversitySeoul02841Korea
- Department of Integrative Energy EngineeringKorea UniversitySeoul02841Korea
- Center for Neuromorphic EngineeringKorea Institute of Science and TechnologySeoul02792Korea
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7
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Xin N, Hu C, Al Sabea H, Zhang M, Zhou C, Meng L, Jia C, Gong Y, Li Y, Ke G, He X, Selvanathan P, Norel L, Ratner MA, Liu Z, Xiao S, Rigaut S, Guo H, Guo X. Tunable Symmetry-Breaking-Induced Dual Functions in Stable and Photoswitched Single-Molecule Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:20811-20817. [PMID: 34846141 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c08997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of molecular electronics is to miniaturize active electronic devices and ultimately construct single-molecule nanocircuits using molecules with diverse structures featuring various functions, which is extremely challenging. Here, we realize a gate-controlled rectifying function (the on/off ratio reaches ∼60) and a high-performance field effect (maximum on/off ratio >100) simultaneously in an initially symmetric single-molecule photoswitch comprising a dinuclear ruthenium-diarylethene (Ru-DAE) complex sandwiched covalently between graphene electrodes. Both experimental and theoretical results consistently demonstrate that the initially degenerated frontier molecular orbitals localized at each Ru fragment in the open-ring Ru-DAE molecule can be tuned separately and shift asymmetrically under gate electric fields. This symmetric orbital shifting (AOS) lifts the degeneracy and breaks the molecular symmetry, which is not only essential to achieve a diode-like behavior with tunable rectification ratio and controlled polarity, but also enhances the field-effect on/off ratio at the rectification direction. In addition, this gate-controlled symmetry-breaking effect can be switched on/off by isomerizing the DAE unit between its open-ring and closed-ring forms with light stimulus. This new scheme offers a general and efficient strategy to build high-performance multifunctional molecular nanocircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chen Hu
- Center for the Physics of Materials and Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada
| | - Hassan Al Sabea
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Miao Zhang
- The Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Resource Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, P. R. China
| | - Chenguang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Linan Meng
- Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Institute of Modern Optics, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yao Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Guojun Ke
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Pramila Selvanathan
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Lucie Norel
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Mark A Ratner
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Zhirong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Shengxiong Xiao
- The Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Resource Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, P. R. China
| | - Stéphane Rigaut
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, Rennes F-35000, France
| | - Hong Guo
- Center for the Physics of Materials and Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8, Canada
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China.,Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Institute of Modern Optics, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
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8
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Akhtar A, Rashid U, Seth C, Kumar S, Broekmann P, Kaliginedi V. Modulating the charge transport in metal│molecule│metal junctions via electrochemical gating. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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9
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Zhou P, Zheng J, Han T, Chen L, Cao W, Zhu Y, Zhou D, Li R, Tian Y, Liu Z, Liu J, Hong W. Electrostatic gating of single-molecule junctions based on the STM-BJ technique. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:7600-7605. [PMID: 33928979 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr00157d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The gating of charge transport through single-molecule junctions is considered a critical step towards molecular circuits but remains challenging. In this work, we report an electrostatic gating method to tune the conductance of single-molecule junctions using the scanning tunneling microscope break junction (STM-BJ) technique incorporated with a back-gated chip as a substrate. We demonstrated that the conductance varied at different applied gating voltages (Vgs). The HOMO-dominated molecules show a decrease in conductance with an increase in Vg, and the LUMO-dominated molecules show the opposite trend. The measured conductance trends with Vg are consistent with the transition voltage spectroscopy measurements. Moreover, the transmission functions simulated from density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the finite element analysis all suggest that Vg changed the energy alignment of the molecular junction. This work provides a simple method for modulating the molecular orbitals' alignment relative to the Fermi energy (Ef) of metal electrodes to explore the charge transport properties at the single-molecule scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Jueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Tianyang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Lijue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Wenqiang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yixuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Dahai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Ruihao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yingyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Zitong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Junyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChEM, Xiamen University, 361005, Xiamen, China.
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10
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Lu Z, Zheng J, Shi J, Zeng BF, Yang Y, Hong W, Tian ZQ. Application of Micro/Nanofabrication Techniques to On-Chip Molecular Electronics. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2001034. [PMID: 34927836 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecular electronics is a promising subject to overcome the size limitation of silicon-based electronic devices. In the past decades, various micro/nanofabrication techniques have been developed for constructing molecular junctions, and a number of breakthroughs are made in the characterizations and applications of the single-molecule device. The history and progress are reviewed in this article, laying emphasis on the recent works on the combination of micro/nanofabrication techniques with other techniques such as electrochemical deposition and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Some prototypical single-molecule devices such as molecular transistors are presented. Finally, the challenges and prospects in the fabrication of single-molecule devices are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Biao-Feng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhong-Qun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China
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11
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Gao T, Liu Y, Zhang X, Bai J, Hong W. Preparation and Application of Microelectrodes at the Single-Molecule Scale. Chem Asian J 2021; 16:253-260. [PMID: 33378120 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202001372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Molecular electronics offers a potential solution for the miniaturization of electronics beyond conventional silicon electronics. A key goal of molecular electronics is to fabricate the single-molecule junction with the functions of electronic units. The term "molecular junction" means a molecular cluster or a single molecule incorporated between two microelectrodes, and electrons are transported across it. The methods of constructing molecular junctions dynamically were developed, such as STM-BJ, AFM-BJ, and MCBJ, providing precise control of the gap and easy measurement of thousands of junctions. Electrodes based on these techniques are commonly called microelectrodes because at least one dimension is on the micron scale. In this manuscript, we summarize the preparation methods of microelectrodes and their application in single-molecule measurements. In addition, we discuss the electrode factor that influences the molecular electrical properties, such as material, curvature radius and cone angle, and further provide a brief prospect of molecular electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengyang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yuyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xueqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China.,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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12
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Sergeyev D, Ashikov N, Zhanturina N. Electric Transport Properties of a Model Nanojunction “Graphene–Fullerene C60–Graphene”. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219581x21500071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the framework of the density functional theory and method of nonequilibrium Green functions (DFT [Formula: see text] NEGF), the electric transport properties of the model nanojunction “Graphene–Fullerene C[Formula: see text]–Graphene” were studied. The transmission spectra, the density of states, the current–voltage characteristic (CVC) and the differential conductivity of the nanojunction are determined. The appearance of a feature of the DOS nanotransition is revealed. This is due to the fact that the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) of C[Formula: see text] becomes closer to the Fermi level of metal substrates than its Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO). It is shown that Coulomb stairs associated with the Coulomb blockade effect appear on the CVC of the nanotransition. The same changes are observed on the differential conductivity spectrum in the form of eight distinct peak structures arising with period [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V. The comparison of the electric transport characteristics of single-fullerene nanodevices with various electrode materials (graphene, gold, platinum) are presented. It was found that the voltage period of Coulomb features [Formula: see text] in a nanodevice with graphene electrodes is less than in nanodevices with platinum and gold electrodes. It was revealed that the considered nanotransition has negative differential conductivity. The results obtained can be useful in calculating promising elements of single-electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Sergeyev
- Department of Physics, K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University, 34 Moldagulova avenue, 030000 Aktobe, Kazakhstan
- Department of Radio Electronics, T. Begeldinov Aktobe Avation Institute, 39 Moldagulova avenue, 030012 Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - N. Ashikov
- Department of Radio Electronics, T. Begeldinov Aktobe Avation Institute, 39 Moldagulova avenue, 030012 Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - N. Zhanturina
- Department of Physics, K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University, 34 Moldagulova avenue, 030000 Aktobe, Kazakhstan
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13
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Kim Y. Photoswitching Molecular Junctions: Platforms and Electrical Properties. Chemphyschem 2020; 21:2368-2383. [PMID: 32777151 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202000564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable advances in technology have enabled the manipulation of individual molecules and the creation of molecular electronic devices utilizing single and ensemble molecules. Maturing the field of molecular electronics has led to the development of functional molecular devices, especially photoswitching or photochromic molecular junctions, which switch electronic properties under external light irradiation. This review introduces and summarizes the platforms for investigating the charge transport in single and ensemble photoswitching molecular junctions as well as the electronic properties of diverse photoswitching molecules such as diarylethene, azobenzene, dihydropyrene, and spiropyran. Furthermore, the article discusses the remaining challenges and the direction for moving forward in this area for future photoswitching molecular devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsang Kim
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, 94720, USA.,Current address, 7644 Ambrose way, California, 95831, USA
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14
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Derr JB, Tamayo J, Clark JA, Morales M, Mayther MF, Espinoza EM, Rybicka-Jasińska K, Vullev VI. Multifaceted aspects of charge transfer. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:21583-21629. [PMID: 32785306 PMCID: PMC7544685 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01556c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Charge transfer and charge transport are by far among the most important processes for sustaining life on Earth and for making our modern ways of living possible. Involving multiple electron-transfer steps, photosynthesis and cellular respiration have been principally responsible for managing the energy flow in the biosphere of our planet since the Great Oxygen Event. It is impossible to imagine living organisms without charge transport mediated by ion channels, or electron and proton transfer mediated by redox enzymes. Concurrently, transfer and transport of electrons and holes drive the functionalities of electronic and photonic devices that are intricate for our lives. While fueling advances in engineering, charge-transfer science has established itself as an important independent field, originating from physical chemistry and chemical physics, focusing on paradigms from biology, and gaining momentum from solar-energy research. Here, we review the fundamental concepts of charge transfer, and outline its core role in a broad range of unrelated fields, such as medicine, environmental science, catalysis, electronics and photonics. The ubiquitous nature of dipoles, for example, sets demands on deepening the understanding of how localized electric fields affect charge transfer. Charge-transfer electrets, thus, prove important for advancing the field and for interfacing fundamental science with engineering. Synergy between the vastly different aspects of charge-transfer science sets the stage for the broad global impacts that the advances in this field have.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Derr
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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15
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Caneva S, Hermans M, Lee M, García-Fuente A, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Dekker C, Ferrer J, van der Zant HSJ, Gehring P. A Mechanically Tunable Quantum Dot in a Graphene Break Junction. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:4924-4931. [PMID: 32551676 PMCID: PMC7349654 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c00984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (QDs) are intensively studied as platforms for the next generation of quantum electronic devices. Fine tuning of the transport properties in monolayer graphene QDs, in particular with respect to the independent modulation of the tunnel barrier transparencies, remains challenging and is typically addressed using electrostatic gating. We investigate charge transport in back-gated graphene mechanical break junctions and reveal Coulomb blockade physics characteristic of a single, high-quality QD when a nanogap is opened in a graphene constriction. By mechanically controlling the distance across the newly formed graphene nanogap, we achieve reversible tunability of the tunnel coupling to the drain electrode by 5 orders of magnitude, while keeping the source-QD tunnel coupling constant. The break junction device can therefore become a powerful platform to study the physical parameters that are crucial to the development of future graphene-based devices, including energy converters and quantum calorimeters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Caneva
- Kavli
Institute of Nanotechnology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Hermans
- Kavli
Institute of Nanotechnology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Lee
- Kavli
Institute of Nanotechnology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Amador García-Fuente
- Departamento
de Física, Universidad de Oviedo, 33007 Oviedo, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación en Nanomateriales y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Oviedo − CSIC, 33940 El Entrego, Spain
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- National
Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- National
Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - Cees Dekker
- Kavli
Institute of Nanotechnology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jaime Ferrer
- Departamento
de Física, Universidad de Oviedo, 33007 Oviedo, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación en Nanomateriales y Nanotecnología, Universidad de Oviedo − CSIC, 33940 El Entrego, Spain
| | | | - Pascal Gehring
- Kavli
Institute of Nanotechnology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628
CJ Delft, The Netherlands
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16
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Zharinov VS, Picot T, Scheerder JE, Janssens E, Van de Vondel J. Room temperature single electron transistor based on a size-selected aluminium cluster. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:1164-1170. [PMID: 31850438 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr09467a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Single electron transistors (SETs) are powerful devices to study the properties of nanoscale objects. However, the capabilities of placing a nano-object between electrical contacts under pristine conditions are lacking. Here, we developed a versatile two point contacting approach that tackles this challenge, which is demonstrated by constructing in situ a prototypical SET device consisting of a single aluminium cluster of 66 ± 5 atoms, deposited directly in a gold nanogap using an innovative cluster beam deposition technique. The gate driven conductance measurements demonstrate Coulomb blockade oscillations at room temperature correlating with an extracted charging energy of 0.14 eV, which is five times larger than kBT at 300 K. Our work provides a model SET device platform to probe the quantum features of nano-objects with high precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyacheslav S Zharinov
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, Box 2414, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Picot
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, Box 2414, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jeroen E Scheerder
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, Box 2414, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ewald Janssens
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, Box 2414, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joris Van de Vondel
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, Box 2414, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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17
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Perrin ML, Eelkema R, Thijssen J, Grozema FC, van der Zant HSJ. Single-molecule functionality in electronic components based on orbital resonances. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:12849-12866. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01448f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A gateable single-molecule diode and resonant tunneling diode are realized using molecular orbital engineering in multi-site molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael L. Perrin
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience
- Delft University of Technology
- 2628 CJ Delft
- The Netherlands
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
| | - Rienk Eelkema
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Delft University of Technology
- 2629 HZ Delft
- The Netherlands
| | - Jos Thijssen
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience
- Delft University of Technology
- 2628 CJ Delft
- The Netherlands
| | - Ferdinand C. Grozema
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Delft University of Technology
- 2629 HZ Delft
- The Netherlands
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18
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Sun H, Liu X, Su Y, Deng B, Peng H, Decurtins S, Sanvito S, Liu SX, Hou S, Liao J. Dirac-cone induced gating enhancement in single-molecule field-effect transistors. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:13117-13125. [PMID: 31268079 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr01551e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Using graphene as electrodes provides an opportunity for fabricating stable single-molecule field-effect transistors (FETs) operating at room temperature. However, the role of the unique graphene band structure in charge transport of single-molecule devices is still not clear. Here we report the Dirac-cone induced electrostatic gating effects in single-molecule FETs with graphene electrodes and a solid-state local bottom gate. With the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) as the dominating conduction channel and the graphene leads remaining intrinsic at zero gate voltage, electrostatic gating on the HOMO and the density of states of graphene at the negative gate polarity reinforces each other, resulting in an enhanced conductance modulation. In contrast, gating effects on the HOMO and the graphene states at the positive gate polarity are opposite. Depending on the gating efficiencies, the conductance can decrease, increase or remain almost unchanged when a more positive gate voltage is applied. Our observations can be well understood by a modified single-level model taking into account the linear dispersion of graphene near the Dirac point. Single-molecule FETs with Dirac-cone enhanced gating have shown high performances, with the modulation of a wide range of current over one order of magnitude. Our studies highlight the advantages of using graphene as an electrode material for molecular devices and pave the way for single-molecule FETs toward circuitry applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Sun
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. and Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xunshan Liu
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Yanjie Su
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. and Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bing Deng
- Center for Nanochemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hailin Peng
- Center for Nanochemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Stefano Sanvito
- School of Physics, AMBER and CRANN Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Shimin Hou
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. and Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jianhui Liao
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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19
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Electrostatic Gate Control in Molecular Transistors. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2018; 376:37. [PMID: 30194540 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-018-0215-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Molecular transistors, in which single molecules serve as active channel components in a three-terminal device geometry, constitute the building blocks of molecular scale electronic circuits. To demonstrate such devices, a gate electrode has been incorporated in several test beds of molecular electronics. The frontier orbitals' alignments of a molecular transistor can be delicately tuned by modifying the molecular orbital energy with the gate electrode. In this review, we described electrostatic gate control of solid-state molecular transistors. In particular, we focus on recent experimental accomplishments in fabrication and characterization of molecular transistors.
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20
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Bouvron S, Maurand R, Graf A, Erler P, Gragnaniello L, Skripnik M, Wiedmann D, Engesser C, Nef C, Fu W, Schönenberger C, Pauly F, Fonin M. Charge transport in a single molecule transistor probed by scanning tunneling microscopy. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:1487-1493. [PMID: 29303194 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr06860c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We report on the scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) study of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules deposited onto a back-gated graphene device. We observe a clear gate voltage (Vg) dependence of the energy position of the features originating from the molecular states. Based on the analysis of the energy shifts of the molecular features upon tuning Vg, we are able to determine the nature of the electronic states that lead to a gapped differential conductance. Our measurements show that capacitive couplings of comparable strengths exist between the CoPc molecule and the STM tip as well as between CoPc and graphene, thus facilitating electronic transport involving only unoccupied molecular states for both tunneling bias polarities. These findings provide novel information on the interaction between graphene and organic molecules and are of importance for further studies, which envisage the realization of single molecule transistors with non-metallic electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bouvron
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany.
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21
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Advance of Mechanically Controllable Break Junction for Molecular Electronics. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:61. [DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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22
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Kocić N, Decurtins S, Liu SX, Repp J. Forces from periodic charging of adsorbed molecules. J Chem Phys 2017. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4975607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Kocić
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - S. Decurtins
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - S.-X. Liu
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J. Repp
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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23
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Gaudenzi R, Misiorny M, Burzurí E, Wegewijs MR, van der Zant HSJ. Transport mirages in single-molecule devices. J Chem Phys 2017. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4975767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. Gaudenzi
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
| | - M. Misiorny
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience MC2, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
- Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - E. Burzurí
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
| | - M. R. Wegewijs
- Peter Grünberg Institut, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- JARA-FIT, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Theory of Statistical Physics, RWTH Aachen, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - H. S. J. van der Zant
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
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24
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Cui L, Miao R, Jiang C, Meyhofer E, Reddy P. Perspective: Thermal and thermoelectric transport in molecular junctions. J Chem Phys 2017. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4976982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Longji Cui
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ruijiao Miao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Chang Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Edgar Meyhofer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Pramod Reddy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109,
USA
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25
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Frisenda R, van der Zant HSJ. Transition from Strong to Weak Electronic Coupling in a Single-Molecule Junction. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2016; 117:126804. [PMID: 27689291 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.117.126804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated charge transport in single-molecule junctions using gold nanoelectrodes at room and cryogenic (10 K) temperatures. A statistical analysis of the low-bias conductance, measured during the stretching of the molecular junctions, shows that the most probable single-molecule conductance is insensitive to the temperature as expected for off-resonant coherent transport. Low-temperature current-voltage measurements show that these junction conformations have a smooth tunnelinglike shape. While separating the electrodes further we find that, in about one-fourth of the cases, the junction switches in an abrupt way to a configuration with I-V characteristics exhibiting a gap around zero bias and resonances at finite bias. The analysis of the I-V shape and of the conductance distance dependence suggests a stretching-induced transition from the strong to the weak electronic coupling regime. The transition involves a large renormalization of the injection barrier and of the electronic coupling between the molecule and the electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Frisenda
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2600 GA, The Netherlands
| | - H S J van der Zant
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2600 GA, The Netherlands
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26
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Perrin ML, Galán E, Eelkema R, Thijssen JM, Grozema F, van der Zant HSJ. A gate-tunable single-molecule diode. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:8919-8923. [PMID: 27071686 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00735j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the pursuit of down-sizing electronic components, the ultimate limit is the use of single molecules as functional devices. The first theoretical proposal of such a device, predicted more than four decades ago, is the seminal Aviram-Ratner rectifier that exploits the orbital structure of the molecule. The experimental realization of single-molecule rectifiers, however, has proven to be challenging. In this work, we report on the experimental realization of a gate-tunable single-molecule rectifier with rectification ratios as high as 600. The rectification mechanism arises from the molecular structure and relies on the presence of two conjugated sites that are weakly coupled through a saturated linker. The observed gate dependence not only demonstrates tunability of the rectification ratio, it also shows that the proposed rectification mechanism based on the orbital structure is operative in the molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael L Perrin
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands.
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27
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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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28
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Cui A, Dong H, Hu W. Nanogap Electrodes towards Solid State Single-Molecule Transistors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:6115-6141. [PMID: 26450402 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201501283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
With the establishment of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based integrated circuit technology, it has become more difficult to follow Moore's law to further downscale the size of electronic components. Devices based on various nanostructures were constructed to continue the trend in the minimization of electronics, and molecular devices are among the most promising candidates. Compared with other candidates, molecular devices show unique superiorities, and intensive studies on molecular devices have been carried out both experimentally and theoretically at the present time. Compared to two-terminal molecular devices, three-terminal devices, namely single-molecule transistors, show unique advantages both in fundamental research and application and are considered to be an essential part of integrated circuits based on molecular devices. However, it is very difficult to construct them using the traditional microfabrication techniques directly, thus new fabrication strategies are developed. This review aims to provide an exclusive way of manufacturing solid state gated nanogap electrodes, the foundation of constructing transistors of single or a few molecules. Such single-molecule transistors have the potential to be used to build integrated circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajuan Cui
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Huanli Dong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
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29
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Abstract
The use of a gate electrode allows us to gain deeper insight into the electronic structure of molecular junctions. It is widely used for spectroscopy of the molecular levels and its excited states, for changing the charge state of the molecule and investigating higher order processes such as co-tunneling and the Kondo effect. Gate electrodes have been implemented in several types of nanoscale devices such as electromigration junctions, mechanically controllable break junctions, and devices with carbon-based electrodes. Here we review the state-of-the-art in the field of single-molecule transitors. We discuss the experimental challenges and describe the advances made for the different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael L Perrin
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands.
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30
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Tayari V, McRae AC, Yiğen S, Island JO, Porter JM, Champagne AR. Tailoring 10 nm scale suspended graphene junctions and quantum dots. NANO LETTERS 2015; 15:114-119. [PMID: 25490053 DOI: 10.1021/nl503151g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The possibility to make 10 nm scale, and low-disorder, suspended graphene devices would open up many possibilities to study and make use of strongly coupled quantum electronics, quantum mechanics, and optics. We present a versatile method, based on the electromigration of gold-on-graphene bow-tie bridges, to fabricate low-disorder suspended graphene junctions and quantum dots with lengths ranging from 6 nm up to 55 nm. We control the length of the junctions, and shape of their gold contacts by adjusting the power at which the electromigration process is allowed to avalanche. Using carefully engineered gold contacts and a nonuniform downward electrostatic force, we can controllably tear the width of suspended graphene channels from over 100 nm down to 27 nm. We demonstrate that this lateral confinement creates high-quality suspended quantum dots. This fabrication method could be extended to other two-dimensional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Tayari
- Department of Physics, Concordia University , Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada
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31
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Sun L, Diaz-Fernandez YA, Gschneidtner TA, Westerlund F, Lara-Avila S, Moth-Poulsen K. Single-molecule electronics: from chemical design to functional devices. Chem Soc Rev 2014; 43:7378-411. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00143e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of single molecules in electronics represents the next limit of miniaturisation of electronic devices, which would enable to continue the trend of aggressive downscaling of silicon-based electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Chalmers University of Technology
- , Sweden
| | - Yuri A. Diaz-Fernandez
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Chalmers University of Technology
- , Sweden
| | - Tina A. Gschneidtner
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Chalmers University of Technology
- , Sweden
| | - Fredrik Westerlund
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Chalmers University of Technology
- , Sweden
| | - Samuel Lara-Avila
- Department of Micro and Nanotechnology
- MC2
- Chalmers University of Technology
- , Sweden
| | - Kasper Moth-Poulsen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Chalmers University of Technology
- , Sweden
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32
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Xiang D, Jeong H, Lee T, Mayer D. Mechanically controllable break junctions for molecular electronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2013; 25:4845-67. [PMID: 23913697 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201301589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) represents a fundamental technique for the investigation of molecular electronic junctions, especially for the study of the electronic properties of single molecules. With unique advantages, the MCBJ technique has provided substantial insight into charge transport processes in molecules. In this review, the techniques for sample fabrication, operation and the various applications of MCBJs are introduced and the history, challenges and future of MCBJs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xiang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Korea
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33
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Schirm C, Matt M, Pauly F, Cuevas JC, Nielaba P, Scheer E. A current-driven single-atom memory. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 8:645-8. [PMID: 23995456 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2013.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of fabricating electronic devices with functional building blocks of atomic size is a major driving force of nanotechnology. The key elements in electronic circuits are switches, usually realized by transistors, which can be configured to perform memory operations. Electronic switches have been miniaturized all the way down to the atomic scale. However, at such scales, three-terminal devices are technically challenging to implement. Here we show that a metallic atomic-scale contact can be operated as a reliable and fatigue-resistant two-terminal switch. We apply a careful electromigration protocol to toggle the conductance of an aluminium atomic contact between two well-defined values in the range of a few conductance quanta. Using the nonlinearities of the current-voltage characteristics caused by superconductivity in combination with molecular dynamics and quantum transport calculations, we provide evidence that the switching process is caused by the reversible rearrangement of single atoms. Owing to its hysteretic behaviour with two distinct states, this two-terminal switch can be used as a non-volatile information storage element.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schirm
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
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34
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Xiang D, Jeong H, Kim D, Lee T, Cheng Y, Wang Q, Mayer D. Three-terminal single-molecule junctions formed by mechanically controllable break junctions with side gating. NANO LETTERS 2013; 13:2809-2813. [PMID: 23701385 DOI: 10.1021/nl401067x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Molecules are promising candidates for electronic device components because of their small size, chemical tunability, and ability to self-assemble. A major challenge when building molecule-based electronic devices is forming reliable molecular junctions and controlling the electrical current through the junctions. Here, we report a three-terminal junction that combines both the ability to form a stable single-molecule junction via the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) technique and the ability to shift the energy levels of the molecule by gating. Using a noncontact side-gate electrode located a few nanometers away from the molecular junction, the conductance of the molecule could be dramatically modulated because the electrical field applied to the molecular junction from the side gate changed the molecular electronic structure, as confirmed by the ab initio calculations. Our study will provide a new design for mechanically stable single-molecule transistor junctions fabricated by the MCBJ method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xiang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Korea
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35
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Perrin ML, Verzijl CJO, Martin CA, Shaikh AJ, Eelkema R, van Esch JH, van Ruitenbeek JM, Thijssen JM, van der Zant HSJ, Dulić D. Large tunable image-charge effects in single-molecule junctions. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 8:282-7. [PMID: 23503093 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2013.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Metal/organic interfaces critically determine the characteristics of molecular electronic devices, because they influence the arrangement of the orbital levels that participate in charge transport. Studies on self-assembled monolayers show molecule-dependent energy-level shifts as well as transport-gap renormalization, two effects that suggest that electric-field polarization in the metal substrate induced by the formation of image charges plays a key role in the alignment of the molecular energy levels with respect to the metal's Fermi energy. Here, we provide direct experimental evidence for an electrode-induced gap renormalization in single-molecule junctions. We study charge transport through single porphyrin-type molecules using electrically gateable break junctions. In this set-up, the position of the occupied and unoccupied molecular energy levels can be followed in situ under simultaneous mechanical control. When increasing the electrode separation by just a few ångströms, we observe a substantial increase in the transport gap and level shifts as high as several hundreds of meV. Analysis of this large and tunable gap renormalization based on atomic charges obtained from density functional theory confirms and clarifies the dominant role of image-charge effects in single-molecule junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael L Perrin
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
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36
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Magnetoresistance of the ferromagnetic nanocontacts fabricated by electrodeposition. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-012-5393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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37
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Kay NJ, Higgins SJ, Jeppesen JO, Leary E, Lycoops J, Ulstrup J, Nichols RJ. Single-Molecule Electrochemical Gating in Ionic Liquids. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:16817-26. [DOI: 10.1021/ja307407e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J. Kay
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | - Simon J. Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | - Jan O. Jeppesen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry,
and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Edmund Leary
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
| | - Jess Lycoops
- Department of Physics, Chemistry,
and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jens Ulstrup
- Department of Chemistry and NanoDTU, Technical University of Denmark, DK2800 Kgs. Lyngby,
Denmark
| | - Richard J. Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan
and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K
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38
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Island JO, Tayari V, McRae AC, Champagne AR. Few-hundred GHz carbon nanotube nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). NANO LETTERS 2012; 12:4564-4569. [PMID: 22888989 DOI: 10.1021/nl3018065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We study 23-30 nm long suspended single-wall carbon nanotube quantum dots and observe both their stretching and bending vibrational modes. We use low-temperature DC electron transport to excite and measure the tubes' bending mode by making use of a positive feedback mechanism between their vibrations and the tunneling electrons. In these nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), we measure fundamental bending frequencies f(bend) ≈ 75-280 GHz and extract quality factors Q ∼ 10(6). The NEMS's frequencies can be tuned by a factor of 2 with tension induced by mechanical breakjunctions actuated by an electrostatic force or tension from bent suspended electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Island
- Department of Physics, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
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39
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Kim Y, Hellmuth TJ, Sysoiev D, Pauly F, Pietsch T, Wolf J, Erbe A, Huhn T, Groth U, Steiner UE, Scheer E. Charge transport characteristics of diarylethene photoswitching single-molecule junctions. NANO LETTERS 2012; 12:3736-42. [PMID: 22734823 DOI: 10.1021/nl3015523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
We report on the experimental analysis of the charge transport through single-molecule junctions of the open and closed isomers of photoswitching molecules. Sulfur-free diarylethene molecules are developed and studied via electrical and optical measurements as well as density functional theory calculations. The single-molecule conductance and the current-voltage characteristics are measured in a mechanically controlled break-junction system at low temperatures. Comparing the results with the single-level transport model, we find an unexpected behavior of the current-dominating molecular orbital upon isomerization. We show that both the side chains and end groups of the molecules are crucial to understand the charge transport mechanism of photoswitching molecular junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsang Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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40
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41
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Baratz A, Baer R. Nonmechanical Conductance Switching in a Molecular Tunnel Junction. J Phys Chem Lett 2012; 3:498-502. [PMID: 26286054 DOI: 10.1021/jz201562a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present a molecular junction composed of a donor (polyacetylene strands) and an acceptor (malononitrile) connected together via a benzene ring and coupled weakly to source and drain electrodes on each side, for which a gate electrode induces intramolecular charge transfer, switching reversibly the character of conductance. Using a new brand of density functional theory, for which orbital energies are similar to the quasiparticle energies, we show that the junction displays a single, gate-tunable differential conductance channel in a wide energy range. The gate field must align parallel to the displacement vector between donors and acceptor to affect their potential difference; for strong enough fields, spontaneous intramolecular electron transfer occurs. This event radically affects conductance, reversing the charge of carriers, enabling a spin-polarized current channel. We discuss the physical principles controlling the operation of the junction and find interplay of quantum interference, charging, Coulomb blockade, and electron-hole binding energy effects. We expect that this switching behavior is a generic property for similar donor-acceptor systems of sufficient stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adva Baratz
- Fritz Haber Center for Molecular Dynamics, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Roi Baer
- Fritz Haber Center for Molecular Dynamics, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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42
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Cheng H, Yang W, Liu H, Wang L. Magnetoresistance of the thin film ferromagnetic nanoconstrictions. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-011-4881-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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43
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Ji G, Xu Y, Cui B, Fang C, Kong X, Li D, Liu D. Rectifying behaviors of an Au/(C20)2/Au molecular device induced by the different positions of gate voltage. RSC Adv 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2ra21146g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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44
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Kim Y, Pietsch T, Erbe A, Belzig W, Scheer E. Benzenedithiol: a broad-range single-channel molecular conductor. NANO LETTERS 2011; 11:3734-8. [PMID: 21805977 DOI: 10.1021/nl201777m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
More than a decade after the first report of single-molecule conductance, it remains a challenging goal to prove the exact nature of the transport through single molecules, including the number of transport channels and the origin of these channels from a molecular orbital point of view. We demonstrate for the archetypical organic molecule, benzenedithiol (BDT), incorporated into a mechanically controllable break junction at low temperature, how this information can be deduced from studies of the elastic and inelastic current contributions. We are able to tune the molecular conformation and thus the transport properties by displacing the nanogap electrodes. We observe stable contacts with low conductance in the order of 10(-3) conductance quanta as well as with high conductance values above ∼0.5 quanta. Our observations show unambiguously that the conductance of BDT is carried by a single transport channel provided by the same molecular level, which is coupled to the metallic electrodes, through the whole conductance range. This makes BDT particularly interesting for applications as a broad range coherent molecular conductor with tunable conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsang Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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45
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Kim Y, Hellmuth TJ, Bürkle M, Pauly F, Scheer E. Characteristics of amine-ended and thiol-ended alkane single-molecule junctions revealed by inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. ACS NANO 2011; 5:4104-11. [PMID: 21506567 DOI: 10.1021/nn200759s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A combined experimental and theoretical analysis of the charge transport through single-molecule junctions is performed to define the influence of molecular end groups for increasing electrode separation. For both amine-ended and thiol-ended octanes contacted to gold electrodes, we study signatures of chain formation by analyzing kinks in conductance traces, the junction length, and inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy. The results show that for amine-ended molecular junctions no atomic chains are pulled under stretching, whereas the Au electrodes strongly deform for thiol-ended molecular junctions. This advanced approach hence provides unambiguous evidence that the amine anchors bind only weakly to Au.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsang Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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46
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Karmakar S, Kumar S, Rinaldi R, Maruccio G. Nano-electronics and spintronics with nanoparticles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/292/1/012002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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47
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Martín S, Grace I, Bryce MR, Wang C, Jitchati R, Batsanov AS, Higgins SJ, Lambert CJ, Nichols RJ. Identifying diversity in nanoscale electrical break junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2010; 132:9157-64. [PMID: 20536142 DOI: 10.1021/ja103327f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The realization of molecular-scale electronic devices will require the development of novel strategies for controlling electrical properties of metal/molecule/metal junctions, down to the single molecule level. Here, we show that it is possible to exert chemical control over the formation of metal/molecule...molecule/metal junctions in which the molecules interact by pi-stacking. The tip of an STM is used to form one contact, and the substrate the other; the molecules are conjugated oligophenyleneethynylenes (OPEs). Supramolecular pi-pi interactions allow current to flow through the junction, but not if bulky tert-butyl substituents on the phenyl rings prevent such interactions. For the first time, we find evidence that pi-stacked junctions can form even for OPEs with two thiol contacts. Furthermore, we find evidence for metal|molecule|metal junctions involving oligophenyleneethynylene monothiols, in which the second contact must be formed by the interaction of the pi-electrons of the terminal phenyl ring with the metal surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Martín
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK
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48
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Abstract
Molecular electronic devices currently serve as a platform for studying a variety of physical phenomena only accessible at the nanometer scale. One such phenomenon is the highly correlated electronic state responsible for the Kondo effect, manifested here as a "Kondo resonance" in the conductance. Because the Kondo effect results from strong electron-electron interactions, it is not captured by the usual quantum chemistry approaches traditionally applied to understand chemical electron transfer. In this review, we will discuss the origins and phenomenology of Kondo resonances observed in single-molecule devices, focusing primarily on the spin-1/2 Kondo state arising from a single unpaired electron. We explore the rich physical system of a single-molecule device, which offers a unique spectroscopic tool for investigating the interplay of emergent Kondo behavior and such properties as molecular orbital transitions and vibrational modes. We will additionally address more exotic systems, such as higher spin states in the Kondo regime, and we will review recent experimental advances in the ability to manipulate and exert control over these nanoscale devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin David Scott
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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49
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Herzog S, Wegewijs MR. Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in transport through single-molecule transistors. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2010; 21:274010. [PMID: 20571197 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/27/274010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is shown to result in a canting of spins in a single-molecule transistor. We predict nonlinear transport signatures of this effect induced by spin-orbit coupling for the generic case of a molecular dimer. The conductance is calculated using a master equation and is found to exhibit a non-trivial dependence on the magnitude and direction of an external magnetic field. We show how three-terminal transport measurements allow for a determination of the coupling vector characterizing the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. In particular, we show how its orientation, defining the intramolecular spin chirality, can be probed with ferromagnetic electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Herzog
- Institut für Theoretische Physik A, RWTH Aachen, D-52056 Aachen, Germany
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50
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Martin CA, van Ruitenbeek JM, van der Zant HSJ. Sandwich-type gated mechanical break junctions. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2010; 21:265201. [PMID: 20534896 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/26/265201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a new device architecture for the independent mechanical and electrostatic tuning of nanoscale charge transport. In contrast to previous gated mechanical break junctions with suspended source-drain electrodes, the devices presented here prevent an electromechanical tuning of the electrode gap by the gate. This significant improvement originates from a direct deposition of the source and the drain electrodes on the gate dielectric. The plasma-enhanced native oxide on the aluminum gate electrode enables measurements at gate voltages up to 1.8 V at cryogenic temperatures. Throughout the bending-controlled tuning of the source-drain distance, the electrical continuity of the gate electrode is maintained. A nanoscale island in the Coulomb blockade regime serves as a first experimental test system for the devices, in which the mechanical and electrical control of charge transport is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Martin
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands.
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