1
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Quintero SM, Van Nyvel L, Roig N, Casado J, Alonso M. Electron Transport through Linear-, Broken-, and Cross-Conjugated Polycyclic Compounds. J Phys Chem A 2024; 128:6140-6157. [PMID: 39041954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.4c01588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Quantum interference (QI) effects offer unique opportunities to modulate charge transport through single molecules. In recent years, several transmission selection rules have been developed to determine constructive and destructive QIs in an intuitive and simple manner, although some of these rules fail for cross-conjugated systems. In this work, we evaluate the performance of distinct transmission rules on a broad series of anthracene and fluorene derivatives with distinctive structural features including linear-, broken-, and cross-conjugation, heteroatoms, and five-membered rings as such species affords a predictive challenge for the qualitative selection rules for QI effects. The electron transport properties and local transmission plots are first evaluated by combining DFT and the nonequilibrium Green function method allowing for an equal-footing comparison of the conductance of the different polycyclic compounds. Our findings are in line with experimental observations on the influence of the type of conjugation and the connectivity to the metallic electrodes on the transport properties. Thus, cross-conjugated systems exhibit reduced conductance values as compared to the linear-conjugated ones, although the transmission is enhanced in the meta-connected junctions. Remarkably, our study reveals that aromatic cores exhibit generally larger zero-bias conductance for a given connectivity, in contrast to the negative aromaticity-conductance relationship found in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Moles Quintero
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Louis Van Nyvel
- Eenheid Algemene Chemie (ALGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nil Roig
- Eenheid Algemene Chemie (ALGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Casado
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alonso
- Eenheid Algemene Chemie (ALGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Vázquez H. Graphene edge interference improves single-molecule transistors. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:885-886. [PMID: 38528110 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Vázquez
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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3
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Chen Z, Grace IM, Woltering SL, Chen L, Gee A, Baugh J, Briggs GAD, Bogani L, Mol JA, Lambert CJ, Anderson HL, Thomas JO. Quantum interference enhances the performance of single-molecule transistors. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:986-992. [PMID: 38528108 PMCID: PMC11286519 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Quantum effects in nanoscale electronic devices promise to lead to new types of functionality not achievable using classical electronic components. However, quantum behaviour also presents an unresolved challenge facing electronics at the few-nanometre scale: resistive channels start leaking owing to quantum tunnelling. This affects the performance of nanoscale transistors, with direct source-drain tunnelling degrading switching ratios and subthreshold swings, and ultimately limiting operating frequency due to increased static power dissipation. The usual strategy to mitigate quantum effects has been to increase device complexity, but theory shows that if quantum effects can be exploited in molecular-scale electronics, this could provide a route to lower energy consumption and boost device performance. Here we demonstrate these effects experimentally, showing how the performance of molecular transistors is improved when the resistive channel contains two destructively interfering waves. We use a zinc-porphyrin coupled to graphene electrodes in a three-terminal transistor to demonstrate a >104 conductance-switching ratio, a subthreshold swing at the thermionic limit, a >7 kHz operating frequency and stability over >105 cycles. We fully map the anti-resonance interference features in conductance, reproduce the behaviour by density functional theory calculations and trace back the high performance to the coupling between molecular orbitals and graphene edge states. These results demonstrate how the quantum nature of electron transmission at the nanoscale can enhance, rather than degrade, device performance, and highlight directions for future development of miniaturized electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Chen
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Iain M Grace
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Steffen L Woltering
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford, UK
| | - Lina Chen
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford, UK
| | - Alex Gee
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jonathan Baugh
- Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lapo Bogani
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Departments of Chemistry and Physics, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Jan A Mol
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Harry L Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford, UK.
| | - James O Thomas
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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4
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Bennett RX, Hendrickson JR, Bergfield JP. Quantum Interference Enhancement of the Spin-Dependent Thermoelectric Response. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11876-11885. [PMID: 38651504 PMCID: PMC11080465 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
We investigate the influence of quantum interference (QI) and broken spin-symmetry on the thermoelectric response of node-possessing junctions, finding a dramatic enhancement of the spin-thermopower (Ss), figure-of-merit (ZsT), and maximum thermodynamic efficiency (ηsmax) caused by destructive QI. Using many-body and single-particle methods, we calculate the response of 1,3-benzenedithiol and cross-conjugated molecule-based junctions subject to an applied magnetic field, finding nearly universal behavior over a range of junction parameters with Ss, ZsT, and reaching peak values of 2 π / 3 ( k / e ) , 1.51, and 28% of Carnot efficiency, respectively. We also find that the quantum-enhanced spin-response is spectrally broad, and the field required to achieve peak efficiency scales with temperature. The influence of off-resonant thermal channels (e.g., phonon heat transport) on this effect is also investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runa X. Bennett
- Department
of Physics, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790, United States
| | - Joshua R. Hendrickson
- Air
Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Justin P. Bergfield
- Department
of Physics, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790, United States
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5
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Guo Y, Li M, Zhao C, Zhang Y, Jia C, Guo X. Understanding Emergent Complexity from a Single-Molecule Perspective. JACS AU 2024; 4:1278-1294. [PMID: 38665639 PMCID: PMC11040556 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Molecules, with structural, scaling, and interaction diversities, are crucial for the emergence of complex behaviors. Interactions are essential prerequisites for complex systems to exhibit emergent properties that surpass the sum of individual component characteristics. Tracing the origin of complex molecular behaviors from interactions is critical to understanding ensemble emergence, and requires insights at the single-molecule level. Electrical signals from single-molecule junctions enable the observation of individual molecular behaviors, as well as intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. This technique provides a foundation for bottom-up explorations of emergent complexity. This Perspective highlights investigations of various interactions via single-molecule junctions, including intramolecular orbital and weak intermolecular interactions and interactions in chemical reactions. It also provides potential directions for future single-molecule junctions in complex system research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Guo
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging
Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Mingyao Li
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking
University, No.5 Yiheyuan
Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Center
of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers
Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale
Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic
Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai
University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yanfeng Zhang
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking
University, No.5 Yiheyuan
Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center
of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers
Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale
Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic
Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai
University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing
National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging
Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
- Center
of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers
Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale
Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic
Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai
University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
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6
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Al-Owaedi OA. Thermoelectric Properties of Porphyrin Nano Rings: A Theoretical and Modelling Investigation. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300616. [PMID: 38084460 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300616] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Propagation of De Broglie waves through nanomolecular junctions is greatly affected by molecular topology changes, which in turn plays a key role in determining the electronic and thermoelectric properties of source|molecule|drain junctions. The probing and realization of the constructive quantum interference (CQI) and a destructive quantum interference (DQI) are well established in this work. The critical role of quantum interference (QI) in governing and enhancing the transmission coefficient T(E), thermopower (S), power factor (P) and electronic figure of merit (ZelT) of porphyrin nanorings has been investigated using a combination of density functional theory (DFT) methods, a tight binding (Hückel) modelling (TBHM) and quantum transport theory (QTT). Remarkably, DQI not only dominates the asymmetric molecular pathways and lowering T(E), but also improves the thermoelectric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oday A Al-Owaedi
- Department of Laser Physics, University of Babylon, Babylon, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
- Al-Zahrawi University College, Holy Karbala, Karbala, 56001, Iraq
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7
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Fan Y, Tao S, Pitié S, Liu C, Zhao C, Seydou M, Dappe YJ, Low PJ, Nichols RJ, Yang L. Destructive quantum interference in meta-oligo(phenyleneethynylene) molecular wires with gold-graphene heterojunctions. NANOSCALE 2023; 16:195-204. [PMID: 38050747 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04012g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Quantum interference (QI) is well recognised as a significant contributing factor to the magnitude of molecular conductance values in both single-molecule and large area junctions. Numerous structure-property relationship studies have shown that para-connected oligo(phenyleneethynylene) (OPE) based molecular wires exemplify the impact of constructive quantum interference (CQI), whilst destructive quantum interference (DQI) effects are responsible for the orders of magnitude lower conductance of analogous meta-contacted OPE derivatives, despite the somewhat shorter effective tunnelling distance. Since molecular conductance is related to the value of the transmission function, evaluated at the electrode Fermi energy, T(EF), which in turn is influenced by the presence and relative energy of (anti)resonances, it follows that the relative single-molecule conductance of para- and meta-contacted OPE-type molecules is tuned both by the anchor group and the nature of the electrode materials used in the construction of molecular junctions (gold|molecule|gold vs. gold|molecule|graphene). It is shown here that whilst amine-contacted junctions show little influence of the electrode material on molecular conductance due to the similar electrode-molecule coupling through this anchor group to both types of electrodes, the weaker coupling between thiomethyl and ethynyl anchors and the graphene substrate electrode results in a relative enhancement of the DQI effect. This work highlights an additional parameter space to explore QI effects and establishes a new working model based on the electrode materials and anchor groups in modulating QI effects beyond the chemical structure of the molecular backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinqi Fan
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Shuhui Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
- NUS (Chongqing) Research Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Sylvain Pitié
- Applied Quantum Chemistry Group, E4, IC2MP, UMR 7285 Poitiers University CNRS, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Chenguang Liu
- 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
| | | | - Yannick J Dappe
- SPEC, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Paul J Low
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, 6009 Crawley, Australia
| | - 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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8
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Yan SS, Chen LC, Wang JY, Duan P, Pan ZY, Qu K, Hong W, Chen ZN, Zhang QC. Exploring a Linear Combination Feature for Predicting the Conductance of Parallel Molecular Circuits. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:9399-9405. [PMID: 37877237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
An accurate rule for predicting conductance is the cornerstone of developing molecular circuits and provides a promising solution for miniaturizing electric circuits. The successful prediction of series molecular circuits has proven the possibility of establishing a rule for molecular circuits under quantum mechanics. However, the quantitatively accurate prediction has not been validated by experiments for parallel molecular circuits. Here we used 1,3-dihydrobenzothiophene (DBT) to build the parallel molecular circuits. The theoretical simulation and single-molecule conductance measurements demonstrated that the conductance of the molecule containing one DBT is the unprecedented linear combination of the conductance of the two individual channels with respective contribution weights of 0.37 and 0.63. With these weights, the conductance of the molecule containing two DBTs is predicted as 1.81 nS, matching perfectly with the measured conductance (1.82 nS). This feature offers a potential rule for quantitatively predicting the conductance of parallel molecular circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Sai Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li-Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Jin-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Ping Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Zi-You Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Kai Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Zhong-Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian-Chong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
- Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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9
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Reimers JR, Li T, Birvé AP, Yang L, Aragonès AC, Fallon T, Kosov DS, Darwish N. Controlling piezoresistance in single molecules through the isomerisation of bullvalenes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6089. [PMID: 37789027 PMCID: PMC10547723 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41674-z] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoscale electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) displaying piezoresistance offer unique measurement opportunities at the sub-cellular level, in detectors and sensors, and in emerging generations of integrated electronic devices. Here, we show a single-molecule NEMS piezoresistor that operates utilising constitutional and conformational isomerisation of individual diaryl-bullvalene molecules and can be switched at 850 Hz. Observations are made using scanning tunnelling microscopy break junction (STMBJ) techniques to characterise piezoresistance, combined with blinking (current-time) experiments that follow single-molecule reactions in real time. A kinetic Monte Carlo methodology (KMC) is developed to simulate isomerisation on the experimental timescale, parameterised using density-functional theory (DFT) combined with non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) calculations. Results indicate that piezoresistance is controlled by both constitutional and conformational isomerisation, occurring at rates that are either fast (equilibrium) or slow (non-equilibrium) compared to the experimental timescale. Two different types of STMBJ traces are observed, one typical of traditional experiments that are interpreted in terms of intramolecular isomerisation occurring on stable tipped-shaped metal-contact junctions, and another attributed to arise from junction‒interface restructuring induced by bullvalene isomerisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Reimers
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures and the Department of Physics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Tiexin Li
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - André P Birvé
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Likun Yang
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures and the Department of Physics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Albert C Aragonès
- Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Marti i Franquès 1, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Thomas Fallon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Daniel S Kosov
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Nadim Darwish
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
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10
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Kumar R, Seth C, Venkatramani R, Kaliginedi V. Do quantum interference effects manifest in acyclic aliphatic molecules with anchoring groups? NANOSCALE 2023; 15:15050-15058. [PMID: 37671581 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02140h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability to control single molecule electronic conductance is imperative for achieving functional molecular electronics applications such as insulation, switching, and energy conversion. Quantum interference (QI) effects are generally used to control electronic transmission through single molecular junctions by tuning the molecular structure or the position of the anchoring group(s) in the molecule. While previous studies focussed on the QI between σ and/or π channels of the molecular backbone, here, we show that single molecule electronic devices can be designed based on QI effects originating from the interactions of anchoring groups. Furthermore, while previous studies have concentrated on the QI mostly in conjugated/cyclic systems, our study showcases that QI effects can be harnessed even in the simplest acyclic aliphatic systems-alkanedithiols, alkanediamines, and alkanediselenols. We identify band gap state resonances in the transmission spectrum of these molecules whose positions and intensities depend on the chain length, and anchoring group sensitive QI between the nearly degenerate molecular orbitals localized on the anchoring groups. We predict that these QI features can be harnessed through an external mechanical stimulus to tune the charge transport properties of single molecules in the break-junction experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai 400005, India.
| | - Charu Seth
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Ravindra Venkatramani
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai 400005, India.
| | - Veerabhadrarao Kaliginedi
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore 560012, India.
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11
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Li L, Prindle CR, Shi W, Nuckolls C, Venkataraman L. Radical Single-Molecule Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:18182-18204. [PMID: 37555594 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Radicals are unique molecular systems for applications in electronic devices due to their open-shell electronic structures. Radicals can function as good electrical conductors and switches in molecular circuits while also holding great promise in the field of molecular spintronics. However, it is both challenging to create stable, persistent radicals and to understand their properties in molecular junctions. The goal of this Perspective is to address this dual challenge by providing design principles for the synthesis of stable radicals relevant to molecular junctions, as well as offering current insight into the electronic properties of radicals in single-molecule devices. By exploring both the chemical and physical properties of established radical systems, we will facilitate increased exploration and development of radical-based molecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Claudia R Prindle
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Wanzhuo Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Colin Nuckolls
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Latha Venkataraman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
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12
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Valli A, Tomczak JM. Resistance saturation in semi-conducting polyacetylene molecular wires. JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL ELECTRONICS 2023; 22:1363-1376. [PMID: 37840651 PMCID: PMC10567864 DOI: 10.1007/s10825-023-02043-7] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Realizing the promises of molecular electronic devices requires an understanding of transport on the nanoscale. Here, we consider a Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model for semi-conducting trans-polyacetylene molecular wires in which we endow charge carriers with a finite lifetime. The aim of this exercise is two-fold: (i) the simplicity of the model allows an insightful numerical and analytical comparison of the Landauer and Kubo linear-response formalism; (ii) we distill the prototypical characteristics of charge transport through gapped mesoscopic systems and compare these to bulk semiconductors. We find that both techniques yield a residual differential conductance at low temperatures for contacted polyacetylene chains of arbitrary length-in line with the resistivity saturation in some correlated narrow-gap semiconductors. Quantitative agreement, however, is limited to not too long molecules. Indeed, while the Landauer transmission is suppressed exponentially with the system size, the Kubo response only decays hyperbolically. Our findings inform the choice of transport methodologies for the ab initio modelling of molecular devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Valli
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Physics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Budapest, H-1111 Hungary
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan M. Tomczak
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS UK
- Institute for Solid State Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
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13
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Tang C, Jiang XL, Chen S, Hong W, Li J, Xia H. Stereoelectronic Modulation of a Single-Molecule Junction through a Tunable Metal-Carbon dπ-pπ Hyperconjugation. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:10404-10410. [PMID: 37121913 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Conjugated molecules play a critical role in the construction of single-molecule devices. However, most conventional conjugated molecules, such as hydrocarbons, involve only a pπ-pπ conjugation of light elements. While the metal d-orbitals can introduce abundant electronic effects to achieve novel electronic properties, it is very scarce for the charge transport study of dπ-pπ conjugated pathways with a metal involved. Here, we employed the single-molecule break junction technique to investigate the charge transport through dπ-pπ conjugated backbones with metal-carbon multiple bonds integrated into the alternative conjugated pathways. The involved dπ-pπ conjugation not only supports high conductivity comparable to that of conjugated hydrocarbons but also significantly enhances the tunable diversity in electronic properties through the metal-induced secondary interaction. Specifically, the introduction of the metal brings an unconventionally stereoelectronic effect triggered by metal-carbon dπ-pπ hyperconjugation, which can be tuned by protonation taking place on the metal-carbon multiple bonds, collectively modulating the single-molecule rectification feature and transmission mechanism. This work demonstrates the promise of utilizing the diverse electronic effect of metals to design molecular devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Tang
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xue-Lian Jiang
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shiyan Chen
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Li
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haiping Xia
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (iChEM), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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14
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O'Driscoll LJ, Jay M, Robinson BJ, Sadeghi H, Wang X, Penhale-Jones B, Bryce MR, Lambert CJ. Planar aromatic anchors control the electrical conductance of gold|molecule|graphene junctions. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:2299-2306. [PMID: 37056609 PMCID: PMC10089101 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00873d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of a family of alkanethiol molecules with planar aromatic head groups, designed to anchor molecules effectively to graphene electrodes, is reported. Characterisation of self-assembled monolayers of these molecules on a gold surface via conductive atomic force microscopy shows that when an aromatic head group is present, the conductance G graphene obtained using a graphene coated probe is higher than the conductance G Pt obtained using a platinum (Pt) probe. For Pt probe and graphene probe junctions, the tunnelling decay constant of benzyl ether derivatives with an alkanethiol molecular backbone is determined as β = 5.6 nm-1 and 3.5 nm-1, respectively. The conductance ratio G graphene/G Pt increases as the number of rings present in the aromatic head unit, n, increases. However, as the number of rings increases, the conductance path length increases because the planar head groups lie at an angle to the plane of the electrodes. This means that overall conductance decreases as n increases. Density functional theory-based charge transport calculations support these experimental findings. This study confirms that planar aromatic head groups can function as effective anchoring units for graphene electrodes in large area molecular junctions. However, the results also indicate that the size and geometry of these head groups must be considered in order to produce effective molecular designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Jay
- Dept. of Physics, Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YB UK
| | | | - Hatef Sadeghi
- Dept. of Engineering, Warwick University Coventry CV4 7AL UK
| | - Xintai Wang
- School of Information Science and Technology, Dalian Maritime University Dalian China
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15
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Cao N, Bro-Jørgensen W, Zheng X, Solomon GC. Visualizing and comparing quantum interference in the π-system and σ-system of organic molecules. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:124305. [PMID: 37003722 DOI: 10.1063/5.0141577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantum interference effects in conjugated molecules have been well-explored, with benzene frequently invoked as a pedagogical example. These interference effects have been understood through a quantum interference map in which the electronic transmission is separated into interfering and non-interfering terms, with a focus on the π-orbitals for conjugated molecules. Recently, saturated molecules have also been reported to exhibit destructive quantum interference effects; however, the very different σ-orbital character in these molecules means that it is not clear how orbital contributions manifest. Herein, we demonstrate that the quantum interference effects in conjugated molecules are quite different from those observed in saturated molecules, as demonstrated by the quantum interference map. While destructive interference at the Fermi energy in the π-system of benzene arises from interference terms between paired occupied and virtual orbitals, this is not the case at the Fermi energy in saturated systems. Instead, destructive interference is evident when contributions from a larger number of non-paired orbitals cancel, leading to more subtle and varied manifestations of destructive interference in saturated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - William Bro-Jørgensen
- Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Gemma C Solomon
- Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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16
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Mang A, Rotthowe N, Beltako K, Linseis M, Pauly F, Winter RF. Single-molecule conductance studies on quasi- and metallaaromatic dibenzoylmethane coordination compounds and their aromatic analogs. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:5305-5316. [PMID: 36811332 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05670d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The ability to predict the conductive behaviour of molecules, connected to macroscopic electrodes, represents a crucial prerequisite for the design of nanoscale electronic devices. In this work, we investigate whether the notion of a negative relation between conductance and aromaticity (the so-called NRCA rule) also pertains to quasi-aromatic and metallaaromatic chelates derived from dibenzoylmethane (DBM) and Lewis acids (LAs) that either do or do not contribute two extra dπ electrons to the central resonance-stabilised β-ketoenolate binding pocket. We therefore synthesised a family of methylthio-functionalised DBM coordination compounds and subjected them, along with their truly aromatic terphenyl and 4,6-diphenylpyrimidine congeners, to scanning tunneling microscope break-junction (STM-BJ) experiments on gold nanoelectrodes. All molecules share the common motif of three π-conjugated, six-membered, planar rings with a meta-configuration at the central ring. According to our results, their molecular conductances fall within a factor of ca. 9 in an ordering aromatic < metallaaromatic < quasi-aromatic. The experimental trends are rationalised by quantum transport calculations based on density functional theory (DFT).
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Affiliation(s)
- André Mang
- Chemistry Department, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Nils Rotthowe
- Chemistry Department, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Katawoura Beltako
- Physics Department, University of Lomé, 1515 Lomé, Togo
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Linseis
- Chemistry Department, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Fabian Pauly
- Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Rainer F Winter
- Chemistry Department, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.
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17
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Quantum interference effects elucidate triplet-pair formation dynamics in intramolecular singlet-fission molecules. Nat Chem 2023; 15:339-346. [PMID: 36585444 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-022-01107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Quantum interference (QI)-the constructive or destructive interference of conduction pathways through molecular orbitals-plays a fundamental role in enhancing or suppressing charge and spin transport in organic molecular electronics. Graphical models were developed to predict constructive versus destructive interference in polyaromatic hydrocarbons and have successfully estimated the large conductivity differences observed in single-molecule transport measurements. A major challenge lies in extending these models to excitonic (photoexcited) processes, which typically involve distinct orbitals with different symmetries. Here we investigate how QI models can be applied as bridging moieties in intramolecular singlet-fission compounds to predict relative rates of triplet pair formation. In a series of bridged intramolecular singlet-fission dimers, we found that destructive QI always leads to a slower triplet pair formation across different bridge lengths and geometries. A combined experimental and theoretical approach reveals the critical considerations of bridge topology and frontier molecular orbital energies in applying QI conductance principles to predict rates of multiexciton generation.
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18
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Deffner M, Weise MP, Zhang H, Mücke M, Proppe J, Franco I, Herrmann C. Learning Conductance: Gaussian Process Regression for Molecular Electronics. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:992-1002. [PMID: 36692968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies of charge transport through single molecules often rely on break junction setups, where molecular junctions are repeatedly formed and broken while measuring the conductance, leading to a statistical distribution of conductance values. Modeling this experimental situation and the resulting conductance histograms is challenging for theoretical methods, as computations need to capture structural changes in experiments, including the statistics of junction formation and rupture. This type of extensive structural sampling implies that even when evaluating conductance from computationally efficient electronic structure methods, which typically are of reduced accuracy, the evaluation of conductance histograms is too expensive to be a routine task. Highly accurate quantum transport computations are only computationally feasible for a few selected conformations and thus necessarily ignore the rich conformational space probed in experiments. To overcome these limitations, we investigate the potential of machine learning for modeling conductance histograms, in particular by Gaussian process regression. We show that by selecting specific structural parameters as features, Gaussian process regression can be used to efficiently predict the zero-bias conductance from molecular structures, reducing the computational cost of simulating conductance histograms by an order of magnitude. This enables the efficient calculation of conductance histograms even on the basis of computationally expensive first-principles approaches by effectively reducing the number of necessary charge transport calculations, paving the way toward their routine evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Deffner
- Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg22761, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Hamburg22761, Germany
| | - Marc Philipp Weise
- Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg22761, Germany
| | - Haitao Zhang
- Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg22761, Germany
| | - Maike Mücke
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Georg-August University, Göttingen37077, Germany
| | - Jonny Proppe
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig38106, Germany
| | - Ignacio Franco
- Departments of Chemistry and Physics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627-0216, United States
| | - Carmen Herrmann
- Institute of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg22761, Germany.,The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Hamburg22761, Germany
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19
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Harrison DP, Grotjahn R, Naher M, Ghazvini SMBH, Mazzucato DM, Korb M, Moggach SA, Lambert C, Kaupp M, Low PJ. Quantum Interference in Mixed-Valence Complexes: Tuning Electronic Coupling Through Substituent Effects. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211000. [PMID: 36031588 PMCID: PMC9828041 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Whilst 2- or 5-OMe groups on the bridging phenylene ring in [{Cp*(dppe)RuC≡C}2 (μ-1,3-C6 H4 )]+ have little influence on the electronic structure of this weakly coupled mixed-valence complex, a 4-OMe substituent enhances ground state electron delocalization, and increases the intensity of the IVCT transition. Vibrational frequency and TDDFT calculations (LH20t-D3(BJ), def2-SVP, COSMO (CH2 Cl2 )) on ([{Cp*(dppe)RuC≡C}2 (μ-1,3-C6 H3 -n-OMe)]+ (n=2, 4, 5) models are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The stronger ground state coupling is attributed to the change in composition of the β-HOSO brought about by the 4-OMe group, which is ortho or para to each of the metal fragments. The intensity of the IVCT transition increases with the greater overlap of the β-HOSO and β-LUSO, whilst the relative phases of the β-HOSO and β-LUSO in the 4-OMe substituted complex are consistent with predictions of constructive quantum interference from molecular circuit rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P. Harrison
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
| | - Robin Grotjahn
- Institut für ChemieTechnische Universität BerlinStraße des 17. Juni 13510623BerlinGermany,Present address: Department of ChemistryUniversity of California, Irvine1102 Natural Science IIIrvineCA 92697-2025USA
| | - Masnun Naher
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
| | - Seyed M. B. H. Ghazvini
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
| | - Daniel M. Mazzucato
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
| | - Marcus Korb
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
| | - Stephen A. Moggach
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
| | - Colin Lambert
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of LancasterLancasterLA1 4YBUK
| | - Martin Kaupp
- Institut für ChemieTechnische Universität BerlinStraße des 17. Juni 13510623BerlinGermany
| | - Paul J. Low
- School of Molecular SciencesUniversity of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawleyWA, 6009Australia
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20
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Ryzhikov MR, Kozlova SG. ELECTRON TRANSPORT THROUGH THE Mo6S8 MOLECULE IN THE ELECTRODE–CLUSTER– ELECTRODE SYSTEM: EFFECT OF THE CLUSTER REMOTENESS AND ORIENTATION RELATIVE TO THE ELECTRODES. J STRUCT CHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022476622110038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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21
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Li P, Hou S, Alharbi B, Wu Q, Chen Y, Zhou L, Gao T, Li R, Yang L, Chang X, Dong G, Liu X, Decurtins S, Liu SX, Hong W, Lambert CJ, Jia C, Guo X. Quantum Interference-Controlled Conductance Enhancement in Stacked Graphene-like Dimers. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15689-15697. [PMID: 35930760 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c05909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Stacking interactions are of significant importance in the fields of chemistry, biology, and material optoelectronics because they determine the efficiency of charge transfer between molecules and their quantum states. Previous studies have proven that when two monomers are π-stacked in series to form a dimer, the electrical conductance of the dimer is significantly lower than that of the monomer. Here, we present a strong opposite case that when two anthanthrene monomers are π-stacked to form a dimer in a scanning tunneling microscopic break junction, the conductance increases by as much as 25 in comparison with a monomer, which originates from a room-temperature quantum interference. Remarkably, both theory and experiment consistently reveal that this effect can be reversed by changing the connectivity of external electrodes to the monomer core. These results demonstrate that synthetic control of connectivity to molecular cores can be combined with stacking interactions between their π systems to modify and optimize charge transfer between molecules, opening up a wide variety of potential applications ranging from organic optoelectronics and photovoltaics to nanoelectronics and single-molecule electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peihui Li
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Songjun Hou
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
| | - Bader Alharbi
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK.,Department of Physics, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 16278, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
| | - Yijian Chen
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhou
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Tengyang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Ruihao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Lan Yang
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Xinyue Chang
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Gang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xunshan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China.,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
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22
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Li P, Zhou L, Zhao C, Ju H, Gao Q, Si W, Cheng L, Hao J, Li M, Chen Y, Jia C, Guo X. Single-molecule nano-optoelectronics: insights from physics. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2022; 85:086401. [PMID: 35623319 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ac7401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule optoelectronic devices promise a potential solution for miniaturization and functionalization of silicon-based microelectronic circuits in the future. For decades of its fast development, this field has made significant progress in the synthesis of optoelectronic materials, the fabrication of single-molecule devices and the realization of optoelectronic functions. On the other hand, single-molecule optoelectronic devices offer a reliable platform to investigate the intrinsic physical phenomena and regulation rules of matters at the single-molecule level. To further realize and regulate the optoelectronic functions toward practical applications, it is necessary to clarify the intrinsic physical mechanisms of single-molecule optoelectronic nanodevices. Here, we provide a timely review to survey the physical phenomena and laws involved in single-molecule optoelectronic materials and devices, including charge effects, spin effects, exciton effects, vibronic effects, structural and orbital effects. In particular, we will systematically summarize the basics of molecular optoelectronic materials, and the physical effects and manipulations of single-molecule optoelectronic nanodevices. In addition, fundamentals of single-molecule electronics, which are basic of single-molecule optoelectronics, can also be found in this review. At last, we tend to focus the discussion on the opportunities and challenges arising in the field of single-molecule optoelectronics, and propose further potential breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peihui Li
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Ju
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Gao
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Si
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Cheng
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Hao
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijian Chen
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
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23
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Phung TT, Nguyen MT, Pham LT, Ngo LT, Nguyen TT. Edge magnetization and thermally induced spin current in nanostructured graphene. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2022; 34:315801. [PMID: 35623336 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ac742a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the magnetic states and thermally induced spin currents in graphene nanoflake sizes with different sizes and shapes have been investigated using Hubbard model combined with non-equilibrium Green's function method. In addition to the antiferromagnetic (AFM) state governed by the sizes, shapes, armchair bond densities, and Coulomb energy, our calculations have also pointed out the emergence of ferromagnetic (FM) and complex magnetic states when the gate voltage is invoked in the graphene nanoflakes. More prominently, by exploiting the geometric symmetry of the nanoflakes without external fields, a pure spin current and zero charge current are generated in spin caloritronic device when the graphene nanoflakes are both in the AFM and FM states. The formation of pure spin currents driven by temperature difference depends on the graphene nanoflakes' size, shape, temperature and gate voltage as well. The study also shows the outstanding advantages of diamond-shaped graphene nanoflakes in both magnetic properties and spin currents. This result paves the way for the possibility of practical applications of graphene materials in spintronics and spin caloritronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Thi Phung
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Material Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Lien Thi Pham
- Institute of Material Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Lan Thi Ngo
- Institute of Science and Technology, TNU-University of Science, Tan Thinh Ward, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Tung Thanh Nguyen
- Institute of Material Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Vietnam
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24
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Yan SS, Wang JY, Pan ZY, Zheng DS, Zhang QC, Chen ZN. Freezing the conductance of platinum(II) complexes by quantum interference effect. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Garner MH, Koerstz M, Jensen JH, Solomon GC. Substituent Control of σ-Interference Effects in the Transmission of Saturated Molecules. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2022; 2:282-288. [PMID: 36855417 PMCID: PMC9955259 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.2c00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The single-molecule conductance of saturated molecules can potentially be fully suppressed by destructive quantum interference in their σ-system. However, only few molecules with σ-interference have been identified, and the structure-property relationship remains to be elucidated. Here, we explore the role of substituents in modulating the electronic transmission of saturated molecules. In functionalized bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes, the transmission is suppressed by σ-interference when fluorine substituents are applied. For bicyclo[2.2.2]octasilane and -octagermanes, the transmission is suppressed when carbon-based substituents are used, and such molecules are likely to be highly insulating. For the carbon-based substituents, we find a strong correlation between the appropriate Hammett constants and the transmission. The substituent effect enables systematic optimization of the insulating properties of saturated molecular cores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc H. Garner
- Nano-Science
Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark,Department
of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Mads Koerstz
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jan H. Jensen
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Gemma C. Solomon
- Nano-Science
Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark,Department
of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark,
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26
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Theoretical insights into the diverse and tunable charge transport behavior of stilbene-based single-molecule junctions. Chem Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2022.111478] [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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27
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Zeng YJ, Ding ZK, Pan H, Feng YX, Chen KQ. Nonequilibrium Green's function method for phonon heat transport in quantum system. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2022; 34:223001. [PMID: 35263716 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ac5c21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Phonon heat transport property in quantum devices is of great interesting since it presents significant quantum behaviors. In the past few decades, great efforts have been devoted to establish the theoretical method for phonon heat transport simulation in nanostructures. However, modeling phonon heat transport from wavelike coherent regime to particlelike incoherent regime remains a challenging task. The widely adopted theoretical approach, such as molecular dynamics, semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation, captures quantum mechanical effects within different degrees of approximation. Among them, Non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method has attracted wide attention, as its ability to perform full quantum simulation including many-body interactions. In this review, we summarized recent theoretical advances of phonon NEGF method and the applications on the numerical simulation for phonon heat transport in nanostructures. At last, the challenges of numerical simulation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jia Zeng
- Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, Hunan University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Ke Ding
- Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, Hunan University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Pan
- Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, Hunan University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye-Xin Feng
- Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, Hunan University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Qiu Chen
- Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, Hunan University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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28
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Abstract
Single-molecule junctions - devices fabricated by electrically connecting a single molecule to two electrodes - can respond to a variety of stimuli, that include electrostatic/electrochemical gating, light, other chemical species, and mechanical forces. When the latter is used, the device becomes mechanoresistive which means that its electrical resistance/conductance changes upon application of a mechanical stress. The mechanoresistive phenomenon can arise at the metal-molecule interface or it can be embedded in the molecular backbone, and several strategies to attain high reproducibility, high sensitivity and reversible behaviour have been developed over the years. These devices offer a unique insight on the process of charge transfer/transport at the metal/molecule interface, and have potential for applications as nanoelectromechanical systems, integrating electrical and mechanical functionality at the nanoscale. In this review, the status of the field is presented, with a focus on those systems that proved to have reversible behaviour, along with a discussion on the techniques used to fabricate and characterise mechanoresistive devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK.
- Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, University of Liverpool, Peach Streat, Liverpool L69 7ZF, UK
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29
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Qu FY, Zhao ZH, Ren XR, Zhang SF, Wang L, Wang D. Multiple heteroatom substitution effect on destructive quantum interference in tripodal single-molecule junctions. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:26795-26801. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cp03902h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Destructive quantum interference manipulating the electron transport in tripodal meta-linked phenyl derivatives can be modulated by adjusting the number and the position of the substituted heteroatom(s) inside the molecular core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa-Yu Qu
- School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 10083, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shou-Feng Zhang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545006, P. R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 10083, China
| | - Dong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology and Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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30
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Vasilevsky SF, Stepanov AA. Acetylene derivatives of quinones and their transformation products: methods of synthesis, reactivity and applied aspects. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr5020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Hewitt P, Shultz DA, Kirk ML. Magnetic Exchange Coupling through the Nonalternant Cyclopentadienyl π-System of Ferrocene. Org Lett 2021; 23:8235-8239. [PMID: 34586811 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c02982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Electronic and magnetic coupling through nonalternant π-systems is an area of intense interest in photonics and molecular electronics research, yet relatively little is known regarding coupling through nonalternant π-systems. Herein we present magnetic exchange coupling in two semiquinone-based biradicals: 1,3-SQ2Fc has two semiquinone radicals attached to the one- and three-positions of the same cyclopentadienyl ligand (a nonalternant π-system) of ferrocene, whereas 1,1'-SQ2Fc has one semiquinone radical attached to each of the two cyclopentadienyl ligands of ferrocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8204, United States
| | - David A Shultz
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8204, United States
| | - Martin L Kirk
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, The University of New Mexico, MSC03 2060, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, United States
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32
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Hewitt P, Shultz DA, Kirk ML. Rules for Magnetic Exchange in Azulene-Bridged Biradicals: Quo Vadis? J Org Chem 2021; 86:15577-15587. [PMID: 34644082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c02085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Electronic coupling through organic bridges facilitates magnetic exchange interactions and controls electron transfer and single-molecule device electron transport. Electronic coupling through alternant π-systems (e.g., benzene) is better understood than the corresponding coupling through nonalternant π-systems (e.g., azulene). Herein, we examine the structure, spectroscopy, and magnetic exchange coupling in two biradicals (1,3-SQ2Az and 1,3-SQ-Az-NN; SQ = the zinc(II) complex of spin-1/2 semiquinone radical anion, NN = spin-1/2 nitronylnitroxide; Az = azulene) that possess nonalternant azulene π-system bridges. The SQ radical spin density in both molecules is delocalized into the Az π-system, while the NN spin is effectively localized onto the five-atom ONCNO π-system of NN radical. The spin distributions and interactions are probed by EPR spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. We find that J = +38 cm-1 for 1,3-SQ2Az and J = +9 cm-1 for 1,3-SQ-Az-NN (H=-2JS^SQ·S^SQorNN). Our results highlight the differences in exchange coupling mediated by azulene compared to exchange coupling mediated by alternant π-systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8204, United States
| | - David A Shultz
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8204, United States
| | - Martin L Kirk
- Department of Chemistry, The University of New Mexico, MSC03 2060, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, United States
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33
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Aggarwal A, Kaliginedi V, Maiti PK. Quantum Circuit Rules for Molecular Electronic Systems: Where Are We Headed Based on the Current Understanding of Quantum Interference, Thermoelectric, and Molecular Spintronics Phenomena? NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:8532-8544. [PMID: 34622657 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this minireview, we discuss important aspects of the various quantum phenomena (such as quantum interference, spin-dependent charge transport, and thermoelectric effects) relevant in single-molecule charge transport and list some of the basic circuit rules devised for different molecular systems. These quantum phenomena, in conjunction with the existing empirical circuit rules, can help in predicting some of the structure-property relationships in molecular circuits. However, a universal circuit law that predicts the charge transport properties of a molecular circuit has not been derived yet. Having such law(s) will help to design and build a complex molecular device leading to exciting unique applications that are not possible with the traditional silicon-based technologies. Based on the existing knowledge in the literature, here we open the discussion on the possible future research directions for deriving unified circuit law(s) to predict the charge transport in complex single-molecule circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Aggarwal
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Veerabhadrarao Kaliginedi
- Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Prabal K Maiti
- Center for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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34
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Sengul O, Valli A, Stadler R. Electrode effects on the observability of destructive quantum interference in single-molecule junctions. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:17011-17021. [PMID: 34617536 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr01230d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Destructive quantum interference (QI) has been a source of interest as a new paradigm for molecular electronics as the electronic conductance is widely dependent on the occurrence or absence of destructive QI effects. In order to interpret experimentally observed transmission features, it is necessary to understand the effects of all components of the junction on electron transport. We perform non-equilibrium Green's function calculations within the framework of density functional theory to assess the structure-function relationship of transport through pyrene molecular junctions with distinct QI properties. The chemical nature of the anchor groups and the electrodes controls the Fermi level alignment, which determines the observability of destructive QI. A thorough analysis allows to disentangle the transmission features arising from the molecule and the electrodes. Interestingly, graphene electrodes introduce features in the low-bias regime, which can either mask or be misinterpreted as QI effects, while instead originating from the topological properties of the edges. Thus, this first principles analysis provides clear indications to guide the interpretation of experimental studies, which cannot be obtained from simple Hückel model calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Sengul
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, 1040 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Angelo Valli
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, 1040 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Robert Stadler
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, 1040 Vienna, Austria.
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35
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Reznikova K, Hsu C, Schosser WM, Gallego A, Beltako K, Pauly F, van der Zant HSJ, Mayor M. Substitution Pattern Controlled Quantum Interference in [2.2]Paracyclophane-Based Single-Molecule Junctions. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:13944-13951. [PMID: 34424713 PMCID: PMC8414552 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Quantum interference (QI) of electron waves passing through a single-molecule junction provides a powerful means to influence its electrical properties. Here, we investigate the correlation between substitution pattern, conductance, and mechanosensitivity in [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP)-based molecular wires in a mechanically controlled break junction experiment. The effect of the meta versus para connectivity in both the central PCP core and the phenyl ring connecting the terminal anchoring group is studied. We find that the meta-phenyl-anchored PCP yields such low conductance levels that molecular features cannot be resolved; in the case of para-phenyl-coupled anchoring, however, large variations in conductance values for modulations of the electrode separation occur for the pseudo-para-coupled PCP core, while this mechanosensitivity is absent for the pseudo-meta-PCP core. The experimental findings are interpreted in terms of QI effects between molecular frontier orbitals by theoretical calculations based on density functional theory and the Landauer formalism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Reznikova
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chunwei Hsu
- Kavli
Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University
of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 GJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Werner M. Schosser
- Institute
of Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Almudena Gallego
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katawoura Beltako
- Institute
of Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Pauly
- Institute
of Physics, University of Augsburg, Universitätsstraße 1, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Herre S. J. van der Zant
- Kavli
Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University
of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 GJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Mayor
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Institute
for Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), P. O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Lehn
Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510274, P. R. China
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36
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O’Driscoll LJ, Sangtarash S, Xu W, Daaoub A, Hong W, Sadeghi H, Bryce MR. Heteroatom Effects on Quantum Interference in Molecular Junctions: Modulating Antiresonances by Molecular Design. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2021; 125:17385-17391. [PMID: 34476041 PMCID: PMC8397347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c04242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Controlling charge transport through molecular wires by utilizing quantum interference (QI) is a growing topic in single-molecular electronics. In this article, scanning tunneling microscopy-break junction techniques and density functional theory calculations are employed to investigate the single-molecule conductance properties of four molecules that have been specifically designed to test extended curly arrow rules (ECARs) for predicting QI in molecular junctions. Specifically, for two new isomeric 1-phenylpyrrole derivatives, the conductance pathway between the gold electrodes must pass through a nitrogen atom: this novel feature is designed to maximize the influence of the heteroatom on conductance properties and has not been the subject of prior investigations of QI. It is shown, experimentally and computationally, that the presence of a nitrogen atom in the conductance pathway increases the effect of changing the position of the anchoring group on the phenyl ring from para to meta, in comparison with biphenyl analogues. This effect is explained in terms of destructive QI (DQI) for the meta-connected pyrrole and shifted DQI for the para-connected isomer. These results demonstrate modulation of antiresonances by molecular design and verify the validity of ECARs as a simple "pen-and-paper" method for predicting QI behavior. The principles offer new fundamental insights into structure-property relationships in molecular junctions and can now be exploited in a range of different heterocycles for molecular electronic applications, such as switches based on external gating, or in thermoelectric devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J. O’Driscoll
- Department
of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Sara Sangtarash
- School
of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Wei Xu
- State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, NEL,
College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Abdalghani Daaoub
- School
of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, NEL,
College of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hatef Sadeghi
- School
of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Martin R. Bryce
- Department
of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
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37
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Shubin N, Emelianov A, Uspenskii Y, Gorbatsevich A. Interacting resonances and antiresonances in conjugated hydrocarbons: exceptional points and bound states in the continuum. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:20854-20866. [PMID: 34254613 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02504j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Quantum interference dramatically modulates electron transport that provides exciting prospects for molecular electronics. We develop a holistic picture of quantum interference phenomena in molecular conductors based on conjugated hydrocarbons taking into account the interaction of resonances and antiresonances (AR). This interaction can result in the coalescence of resonances and ARs accompanied by a significant quantum transparency change. As such a change results from a small variation of the system parameters, it is essential for reducing power consumption in electronics. We establish that the coalescence of ARs is intimately connected with the exceptional point of an underlying non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. The coalescence of ARs cannot be explained considering only the LUMO and HOMO without orbitals beyond them. Cyclobutadiene is discussed as an example. We show that the interaction of resonances and ARs can also result in the formation of a bound state in the continuum (BIC). Our formalism accounting for separate descriptions of resonances and ARs is especially suitable for describing BICs, which can be considered as either a resonance or an AR with zero width. In particular, we show that benzene in the para-configuration possesses BICs, which can be revealed as narrow Fano resonances (FRs) in the transmission spectrum by perturbing the molecule symmetry. Any BIC can be turned into an FR by a proper change of the system parameters, but the reverse is not true. We demonstrate that BICs are related to such chemical concepts as non-bonding orbitals, radicals, and diradicals. Our analytical results within the Hückel formalism are closely reproduced by ab initio simulations. Therefore, experimentally revealing these phenomena looks quite probable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Shubin
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Aleksei Emelianov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia. and National Research University of Electronic Technology, Zelenograd, 124498, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuriy Uspenskii
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Alexander Gorbatsevich
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
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38
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Arasu NP, Vázquez H. Origin of the Electron Transport Properties of Aromatic and Antiaromatic Single Molecule Circuits. Chemphyschem 2021; 22:864-869. [PMID: 33656792 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Antiaromatic molecules have been predicted to exhibit increased electron transport properties when placed between two nanoelectrodes compared to their aromatic analogues. While some studies have demonstrated this relationship, others have found no substantial increase. We use atomistic simulations to establish a general relationship between the electronic spectra of aromatic, antiaromatic, and quinoidal molecules and illustrate its implications for electron transport. We compare the electronic properties of a series of aromatic-antiaromatic counterparts and show that antiaromaticity effectively p-dopes the aromatic electronic spectra. As a consequence, the conducting properties of aromatic-antiaromatic analogues are closely related. For similar attachment points to the electrodes, an interference feature is expected in the HOMO-LUMO gap of one whenever it is absent in the other one. We demonstrate how the relative conductance of aromatic-antiaromatic pairs can be tuned and even reversed through the choice of chemical linker groups. Our work provides a general picture relating connectivity, (anti)aromaticity, and quantum interference and establishes new design rules for single molecule circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra P Arasu
- Institute of Physics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Cukrovarnická 10, 16200, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 12000, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Héctor Vázquez
- Institute of Physics Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Cukrovarnická 10, 16200, Prague, Czech Republic
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39
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Ramezani Akbarabadi S, Rahimpour Soleimani H, Bagheri Tagani M. Side-group-mediated thermoelectric properties of anthracene single-molecule junction with anchoring groups. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8958. [PMID: 33903663 PMCID: PMC8076224 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Charge transfer characteristics of single-molecule junctions at the nanoscale, and consequently, their thermoelectric properties can be dramatically tuned by chemical or conformational modification of side groups or anchoring groups. In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism in the linear response regime to examine the thermoelectric properties of a side-group-mediated anthracene molecule coupled to gold (Au) electrodes via anchoring groups. In order to provide a comparative inspection three different side groups, i.e. amine, nitro and methyl, in two different positions were considered for the functionalization of the molecule terminated with thiol or isocyanide anchoring groups. We showed that when the anchored molecule is perturbed with side group, the peaks of the transmission spectrum were shifted relative to the Fermi energy in comparison to the unperturbed molecule (i.e. without side group) leading to modified thermoelectric properties of the system. Particularly, in the thiol-terminated molecule the amine side group showed the greatest figure of merit in both positions which was suppressed by the change of side group position. However, in the isocyanide-terminated molecule the methyl side group attained the greatest thermoelectric efficiency where its magnitude was relatively robust to the change of side group position. In this way, different combinations of side groups and anchoring groups can improve or suppress thermopower and the figure of merit of the molecular junction depending on the interplay between charge donating/accepting nature of the functionals or their position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeideh Ramezani Akbarabadi
- Computational Nanophysics Laboratory (CNL), Department of Physics, University of Guilan, Rasht, 41335-1914, Iran.
| | - Hamid Rahimpour Soleimani
- Computational Nanophysics Laboratory (CNL), Department of Physics, University of Guilan, Rasht, 41335-1914, Iran
| | - Maysam Bagheri Tagani
- Computational Nanophysics Laboratory (CNL), Department of Physics, University of Guilan, Rasht, 41335-1914, Iran
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40
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Valdiviezo J, Rocha P, Polakovsky A, Palma JL. Nonexponential Length Dependence of Molecular Conductance in Acene-Based Molecular Wires. ACS Sens 2021; 6:477-484. [PMID: 33411533 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c02049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the nonresonant regime, molecular conductance decays exponentially with distance, limiting the fabrication of efficient molecular semiconductors at the nanoscale. In this work, we calculate the conductance of a series of acene derivatives connected to gold electrodes using density functional theory (DFT) combined with the nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism. We show that these systems have near length-independent conductance and can exhibit a conductance increase with molecular length depending on the connection to the electrodes. The analysis of the molecular orbital energies and transmission functions attribute this behavior to the dramatic decrease of the highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap with length, which shifts the transmission peaks near the Fermi level. These results demonstrate that the anchoring configuration determines the conductance behavior of acene derivatives, which are optimal building blocks to fabricate single-molecule devices with tunable charge transport properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Valdiviezo
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Paulina Rocha
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64849, Mexico
| | - Anastazia Polakovsky
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University Fayette, The Eberly Campus, Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania 15456, United States
| | - Julio L. Palma
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University Fayette, The Eberly Campus, Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania 15456, United States
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41
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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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42
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O'Driscoll LJ, Bryce MR. Extended curly arrow rules to rationalise and predict structural effects on quantum interference in molecular junctions. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:1103-1123. [PMID: 33393950 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07819k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The ability to easily and reliably predict quantum interference (QI) behaviour would facilitate the design of functional molecular wires with potential applications in switches, transistors and thermoelectric devices. A variety of predictive methods exist, but with the exception of computationally-expensive DFT-based charge transport simulations, these often fail to account for the experimentally observed behaviour of molecules that differ significantly in structure from alternant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. By considering a range of prior studies we have developed an extension to predictive "curly arrow rules". We show that, in most cases, these extended curly arrow rules (ECARs) can rationalise the type of QI exhibited by conjugated molecular wires containing heteroatoms, cross-conjugation and/or non-alternant structures. ECARs provide a straightforward "pen-and-paper" method to predict whether a molecular wire will display constructive, destructive or "shifted destructive" QI, i.e. whether or not its transmission function would be expected to show an antiresonance, and if this antiresonance would occur close to the Fermi energy or be shifted elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J O'Driscoll
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Martin R Bryce
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
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43
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Polakovsky A, Showman J, Valdiviezo J, Palma JL. Quantum interference enhances rectification behavior of molecular devices. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:1550-1557. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cp05801g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A theoretical and computational study of the effect of quantum interference on the rectification behavior of unimolecular devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janai Showman
- Department of Chemistry
- The Pennsylvania State University
- Lemont Furnace
- USA
| | | | - Julio L. Palma
- Department of Chemistry
- The Pennsylvania State University
- Lemont Furnace
- USA
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44
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Haidar E, Tawfik SA, Stampfl C, Hirao K, Yoshizawa K, Nakajima T, Soliman KA, El‐Nahas AM. Attenuation of Redox Switching and Rectification in Azulenequinones/Hydroquinones after B and N Doping: A First‐Principles Investigation. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- El‐Abed Haidar
- School of Physics The University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | | | - Catherine Stampfl
- School of Physics The University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Kimihiko Hirao
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science 7‐1‐26 Minatojima‐minami, Chuo Kobe 650‐0047 Japan
| | - Kazunari Yoshizawa
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering Kyushu University Nishi‐ku Fukuoka 819‐0395 Japan
| | - Takahito Nakajima
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science 7‐1‐26 Minatojima‐minami, Chuo Kobe 650‐0047 Japan
| | - Kamal A. Soliman
- Chemistry Department Faculty of Science Benha University Benha 13518 Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. El‐Nahas
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science 7‐1‐26 Minatojima‐minami, Chuo Kobe 650‐0047 Japan
- Chemistry Department Faculty of Science Menoufia University Shebin El‐Kom 32512 Egypt
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45
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Gandus G, Valli A, Passerone D, Stadler R. Smart local orbitals for efficient calculations within density functional theory and beyond. J Chem Phys 2020; 153:194103. [PMID: 33218230 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized basis sets in the projector augmented wave formalism allow for computationally efficient calculations within density functional theory (DFT). However, achieving high numerical accuracy requires an extensive basis set, which also poses a fundamental problem for the interpretation of the results. We present a way to obtain a reduced basis set of atomic orbitals through the subdiagonalization of each atomic block of the Hamiltonian. The resulting local orbitals (LOs) inherit the information of the local crystal field. In the LO basis, it becomes apparent that the Hamiltonian is nearly block-diagonal, and we demonstrate that it is possible to keep only a subset of relevant LOs that provide an accurate description of the physics around the Fermi level. This reduces to some extent the redundancy of the original basis set, and at the same time, it allows one to perform post-processing of DFT calculations, ranging from the interpretation of electron transport to extracting effective tight-binding Hamiltonians, very efficiently and without sacrificing the accuracy of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gandus
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - A Valli
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, TU Wien, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - D Passerone
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - R Stadler
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, TU Wien, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10, 1040 Vienna, Austria
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46
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Liu Y, Ornago L, Carlotti M, Ai Y, El Abbassi M, Soni S, Asyuda A, Zharnikov M, van der Zant HSJ, Chiechi RC. Intermolecular Effects on Tunneling through Acenes in Large-Area and Single-Molecule Junctions. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2020; 124:22776-22783. [PMID: 33093933 PMCID: PMC7569675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.0c05781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the conductance of single-molecules and self-assembled monolayers comprising an oligophenyleneethynylene core, functionalized with acenes of increasing length that extend conjugation perpendicular to the path of tunneling electrons. In the Mechanically Controlled Break Junction (MCBJ) experiment, multiple conductance plateaus were identified. The high conductance plateau, which we attribute to the single molecule conformation, shows an increase of conductance as a function of acene length, in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The lower plateau is attributed to multiple molecules bridging the junctions with intermolecular interactions playing a role. In junctions comprising a self-assembled monolayer with eutectic Ga-In top-contacts (EGaIn), the pentacene derivative exhibits unusually low conductance, which we ascribe to the inability of these molecules to pack in a monolayer without introducing significant intermolecular contacts. This hypothesis is supported by the MCBJ data and theoretical calculations showing suppressed conductance through the PC films. These results highlight the role of intermolecular effects and junction geometries in the observed fluctuations of conductance values between single-molecule and ensemble junctions, and the importance of studying molecules in both platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Liu
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Zernike
Institute for Advanced Materials, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Ornago
- Kavli
Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University
of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, Delft, 2628 CJ The Netherlands
| | - Marco Carlotti
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Zernike
Institute for Advanced Materials, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yong Ai
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Zernike
Institute for Advanced Materials, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria El Abbassi
- Kavli
Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University
of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, Delft, 2628 CJ The Netherlands
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Zernike
Institute for Advanced Materials, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andika Asyuda
- Angewandte
Physikalische Chemie, Universität
Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Zharnikov
- Angewandte
Physikalische Chemie, Universität
Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Herre S. J. van der Zant
- Kavli
Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University
of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, Delft, 2628 CJ The Netherlands
| | - Ryan C. Chiechi
- Stratingh
Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- Zernike
Institute for Advanced Materials, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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47
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Chen LC, Zheng J, Liu J, Gong XT, Chen ZZ, Guo RX, Huang X, Zhang YP, Zhang L, Li R, Shao X, Hong W, Zhang HL. Nonadditive Transport in Multi-Channel Single-Molecule Circuits. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002808. [PMID: 32851802 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As stated in the classic Kirchhoff's circuit laws, the total conductance of two parallel channels in an electronic circuit is the sum of the individual conductance. However, in molecular circuits, the quantum interference (QI) between the individual channels may lead to apparent invalidity of Kirchhoff's laws. Such an effect can be very significant in single-molecule circuits consisting of partially overlapped multiple transport channels. Herein, an investigation on how the molecular circuit conductance correlates to the individual channels is conducted in the presence of QI. It is found that the conductance of multi-channel circuit consisting of both constructive and destructive QI is significantly smaller than the addition of individual ones due to the interference between channels. In contrast, the circuit consisting of destructive QI channels exhibits an additive transport. These investigations provide a new cognition of transport mechanism and manipulation of transport in multi-channel molecular circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChem Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Junyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChem Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ting Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Zhen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Xue Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChem Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Ruihao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChem Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xiangfeng Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, iChem Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry (SKLAOC), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
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48
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Garner MH, Solomon GC. Simultaneous Suppression of π- and σ-Transmission in π-Conjugated Molecules. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:7400-7406. [PMID: 32787288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c01727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dielectric materials require ostensibly conflicting requirements of high polarizability and low conductivity. As previous efforts toward molecular insulators focused on saturated molecules, it remains an open question whether π- and σ-transport can be simultaneously suppressed in conjugated systems. Here, we demonstrate that there are conjugated molecules where the σ-transmission is suppressed by destructive σ-interference, while the π-transmission can be suppressed by a localized disruption of conjugation. Using density functional theory, we study the Landauer transmission and ballistic current density, which allow us to determine how the transmission is affected by various structural changes in the molecule. We find that in para-linked oligophenyl rings the σ-transmission can be suppressed by changing the remaining hydrogens to methyl groups due to the inherent gauche-like structure of the carbon backbone within a benzene ring, similar to what was previously seen in saturated systems. At the same time, the methyl groups fulfill a dual purpose as they modulate the twist angle between neighboring phenyl rings. When neighboring rings are orthogonal to each other, the transmission through both π- and σ-systems is effectively suppressed. Alternatively, breaking conjugation in a single phenyl ring by saturating two carbons atoms with two methyl substituents on each carbon, results in suppressed π- and σ-transport independent of dihedral angle. These two strategies demonstrate that methyl-substituted oligophenyls are promising candidates for the development of molecular dielectric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc H Garner
- Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Gemma C Solomon
- Nano-Science Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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49
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Soni S, Ye G, Zheng J, Zhang Y, Asyuda A, Zharnikov M, Hong W, Chiechi RC. Understanding the Role of Parallel Pathways via In-Situ Switching of Quantum Interference in Molecular Tunneling Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:14308-14312. [PMID: 32469444 PMCID: PMC7497014 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202005047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the modulation of tunneling probabilities in molecular junctions by switching one of two parallel intramolecular pathways. A linearly conjugated molecular wire provides a rigid framework that allows a second, cross-conjugated pathway to be effectively switched on and off by protonation, affecting the total conductance of the junction. This approach works because a traversing electron interacts with the entire quantum-mechanical circuit simultaneously; Kirchhoff's rules do not apply. We confirm this concept by comparing the conductances of a series of compounds with single or parallel pathways in large-area junctions using EGaIn contacts and single-molecule break junctions using gold contacts. We affect switching selectively in one of two parallel pathways by converting a cross-conjugated carbonyl carbon into a trivalent carbocation, which replaces destructive quantum interference with a symmetrical resonance, causing an increase in transmission in the bias window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Soni
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Gang Ye
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics (CBOP) & College of Physics and Optoelectronic EngineeringKey Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and SystemsShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518060P. R. China
| | - Jueting Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Yanxi Zhang
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Present address: MicrosystemsDepartment of Mechanical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of Technology5600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Andika Asyuda
- Applied Physical ChemistryHeidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 253D-69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Michael Zharnikov
- Applied Physical ChemistryHeidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 253D-69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Ryan C. Chiechi
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
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50
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Pickup BT, Fowler PW. A Correlated Source-Sink-Potential Model Consistent with the Meir–Wingreen Formula. J Phys Chem A 2020; 124:6928-6944. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.0c01711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barry T. Pickup
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
| | - Patrick W. Fowler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, UK
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