1
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Gorenskaia E, Low PJ. Methods for the analysis, interpretation, and prediction of single-molecule junction conductance behaviour. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9510-9556. [PMID: 38939131 PMCID: PMC11206205 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00488d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This article offers a broad overview of measurement methods in the field of molecular electronics, with a particular focus on the most common single-molecule junction fabrication techniques, the challenges in data analysis and interpretation of single-molecule junction current-distance traces, and a summary of simulations and predictive models aimed at establishing robust structure-property relationships of use in the further development of molecular electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gorenskaia
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley Western Australia 6026 Australia
| | - Paul J Low
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley Western Australia 6026 Australia
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2
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Guo J, Chen PK, Chang S. Molecular-Scale Electronics: From Individual Molecule Detection to the Application of Recognition Sensing. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9303-9316. [PMID: 38809941 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
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3
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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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4
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Lawson B, Skipper HE, Kamenetska M. Phenol is a pH-activated linker to gold: a single molecule conductance study. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2022-2029. [PMID: 38197186 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05257e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Single molecule conductance measurements typically rely on functional linker groups to anchor the molecule to the conductive electrodes through a donor-acceptor or covalent bond. While many linking moieties, such as thiols, amines, thiothers and phosphines have been used among others, very few involve oxygen binding directly to gold electrodes. Here, we report successful single molecule conductance measurements using hydroxy (OH)-containing phenol linkers and show that the molecule-gold attachment and electron transport are mediated by a direct O-Au bond. We find that deprotonation of the hydroxy moiety is necessary for metal-molecule binding to proceed, so that junction formation can be activated through pH control. Electronic structure and DFT+Σ transport calculations confirm our experimental findings that phenolate-terminated alkanes can anchor on the gold and show charge transport trends consistent with prior observations of alkane conductance with other linker groups. Critically, the deprotonated O--Au binding shows features similar to the thiolate-Au bond, but without the junction disruption caused by intercalation of sulfur into electrode tips often observed with thiol-terminated molecules. By comparing the conductance and binding features of O-Au and S-Au bonds, this study provides insight into the aspects of Au-linker bonding that promote reproducible and robust single molecule junction measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Lawson
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
| | - Hannah E Skipper
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
| | - Maria Kamenetska
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
- Division of Material Science and Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
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5
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Pan X, Matthews K, Lawson B, Kamenetska M. Single-Molecule Conductance of Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Histamine on Gold. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:8327-8333. [PMID: 37695735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
We perform single-molecule conductance measurements and DFT calculations on histamine, a biogenic amine that contains a flexible aliphatic linker and several nitrogen moieties with a potential for hydrogen bonding. Our study determines that junctions containing the free-base form of histamine can bridge through a molecular structure containing an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Conductance of this structure is higher than that through the saturated aliphatic linker. Flicker noise analysis of junction conductance confirms that transport occurs through the hydrogen bond and establishes a benchmark for noise measurements in hydrogen-bonded junctions. Overall, our work provides insights into the formation and conduction of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in single-molecule conductance measurements and into the conformations of the neurotransmitter histamine on noble metal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Katherine Matthews
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania 1904, United States
| | - Brent Lawson
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Maria Kamenetska
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Divistion of Material Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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6
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Pan X, Montes E, Rojas WY, Lawson B, Vázquez H, Kamenetska M. Cooperative Self-Assembly of Dimer Junctions Driven by π Stacking Leads to Conductance Enhancement. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:6937-6943. [PMID: 37486358 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c01540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate enhanced electronic transport through dimer molecular junctions, which self-assemble between two gold electrodes in π-π stabilized binding configurations. Single molecule junction conductance measurements show that benzimidazole molecules assemble into dimer junctions with a per-molecule conductance that is higher than that in monomer junctions. Density functional theory calculations reveal that parallel stacking of two benzimidazoles between electrodes is the most energetically favorable due to the large π system. Imidazole is smaller and has greater conformational freedom to access different stacking angles. Transport calculations confirm that the conductance enhancement of benzimidazole dimers results from the changed binding geometry of dimers on gold, which is stabilized and made energetically accessible by intermolecular π stacking. We engineer imidazole derivatives with higher monomer conductance than benzimidazole and large intermolecular interaction that promote cooperative in situ assembly of more transparent dimer junctions and suggest at the potential of molecular devices based on self-assembled molecular layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Enrique Montes
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Cukrovarnická 10, Prague CZ-162 00, Czech Republic
| | - Wudmir Y Rojas
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Cukrovarnická 10, Prague CZ-162 00, Czech Republic
| | - Brent Lawson
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Héctor Vázquez
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Cukrovarnická 10, Prague CZ-162 00, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Kamenetska
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, United States
- Division of Material Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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7
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Malihishoja A, Dekamin MG, Eslami M. Magnetic polyborate nanoparticles as a green and efficient catalyst for one-pot four-component synthesis of highly substituted imidazole derivatives. RSC Adv 2023; 13:16584-16601. [PMID: 37274415 PMCID: PMC10234260 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02262e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, magnetic polyborate nanoparticles (MPBNPs) were prepared via a simple procedure from boric acid by using ball-milling and then characterized by various spectroscopic, microscopic and analytical methods including FT-IR, EDX, XRD, FESEM, VSM and TGA analysis. The obtained MPBNPs were further explored, as a green and highly efficient catalyst, in the multi-component synthesis of a wide range of tetra-substituted imidazoles from cascade cyclocondensation as well as in situ air oxidation of benzil or benzoin, aromatic aldehydes, primary amine and ammonium acetate in EtOH, as a green solvent, under reflux conditions. Additionally, environmentally friendly conditions for the preparation of the catalyst by the use of non-toxic reactants, facile procedure and high to excellent yields of the desired products as well as the use of a green solvent are some advantages of this new protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Malihishoja
- Pharmaceutical and Heterocyclic Compounds Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran
| | - Mohammad G Dekamin
- Pharmaceutical and Heterocyclic Compounds Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology Tehran 16846-13114 Iran
| | - Mohammad Eslami
- Department of Chemistry, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology Behbahan 63616-63973 Iran
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8
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Li X, Ge W, Guo S, Bai J, Hong W. Characterization and Application of Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216819. [PMID: 36585932 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of supramolecular chemistry and single-molecule electronics offers a new perspective on supramolecular electronics, and provides a new avenue toward understanding and application of intermolecular charge transport at the molecular level. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances in the characterization technique for the investigation of intermolecular charge transport, and summarize the experimental investigation of several non-covalent interactions, including π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, host-guest interactions and σ-σ interactions at the single-molecule level. We will also provide a perspective on supramolecular electronics and discuss the potential applications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenhui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shuhan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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9
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Wang M, Zhang L, Li Y, Gu L. Imidazole Promoted Efficient Anomerization of β‐D‐Glucose Pentaacetate in Solid State and Reaction Mechanism. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meifeng Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Jinan University; #601 Huangpu Avenue West Guangzhou China
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources Hunan University of Science and Engineering Yongzhou 425199 China
- Department of Chemistry Jinan University, #601, Huangpu Avenue West Guangzhou China
| | - Liyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Jinan University; #601 Huangpu Avenue West Guangzhou China
| | - Yiqun Li
- Department of Chemistry Jinan University, #601, Huangpu Avenue West Guangzhou China
| | - Liuqun Gu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Jinan University; #601 Huangpu Avenue West Guangzhou China
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10
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Lv SL, Zeng C, Yu Z, Zheng JF, Wang YH, Shao Y, Zhou XS. Recent Advances in Single-Molecule Sensors Based on STM Break Junction Measurements. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080565. [PMID: 35892462 PMCID: PMC9329744 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Single-molecule recognition and detection with the highest resolution measurement has been one of the ultimate goals in science and engineering. Break junction techniques, originally developed to measure single-molecule conductance, recently have also been proven to have the capacity for the label-free exploration of single-molecule physics and chemistry, which paves a new way for single-molecule detection with high temporal resolution. In this review, we outline the primary advances and potential of the STM break junction technique for qualitative identification and quantitative detection at a single-molecule level. The principles of operation of these single-molecule electrical sensing mainly in three regimes, ion, environmental pH and genetic material detection, are summarized. It clearly proves that the single-molecule electrical measurements with break junction techniques show a promising perspective for designing a simple, label-free and nondestructive electrical sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
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11
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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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12
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Zhang H, Xu W, Song K, Lu T, Zhang G, Zang Y, Hong W, Zhang D. Dual Modulation of Single Molecule Conductance via Tuning Side Chains and Electric Field with Conjugated Molecules Entailing Intramolecular O•••S Interactions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105667. [PMID: 35434941 PMCID: PMC9189668 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Herein, single-molecule conductance studies of TBT1-TBT6 which entails 1,4-dithienylbenzene as the backbone and SMe groups as the anchoring units, with the scanning tunneling microscope break junction (STM-BJ) technique, are reported. The molecular conductance of TBT1 with intramolecular O•••S noncovalent interactions is enhanced by about one order of magnitude in comparison to their analogue TBT2 (which contains alkyl instead of alkoxy chains). By replacing the methoxy groups in TBT1 with extending alkoxy chains in TBT3, TBT4, and TBT5, the molecular backbones become twisted and as a consequence the single-molecule conductance decreases gradually, showing that the intramolecular O•••S noncovalent interaction is influenced by the structural features of alkoxy chains. More importantly, the single-molecule conductance of TBT3, TBT4, and TBT5 can be boosted by increasing the electric field applied to the molecular junctions. Remarkably, the conductance of TBT3, TBT4, and TBT5 can be reversibly modulated due to the conformational changes between twisted and planar ones by varying the electric field. These results demonstrate that molecules with intramolecular O•••S noncovalent interactions have the potential for in situ control of the electrical properties of molecular-scale devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Wei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Kai Song
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
| | - Taige Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Guanxin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yaping Zang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid SurfacesCollege of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringXiamen UniversityXiamen361005China
| | - Deqing Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesOrganic Solids LaboratoryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- School of Chemical SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
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13
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Li S, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Sanvito S, Hou S. In Situ Tuning of the Charge-Carrier Polarity in Imidazole-Linked Single-Molecule Junctions. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:7596-7604. [PMID: 34347489 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Manipulating the nature of the charge carriers at the single-molecule level is one of the major challenges of molecular electronics. Using first-principles quantum transport calculations, we have investigated the electronic transport properties of imidazole-linked single-molecule junctions and identified the hydrogen atom bonded to the pyrrole-like nitrogen in imidazole as a switch to tune the polarity of the charge carriers. Our calculations show that the chemical nature of the imidazole anchors is dramatically altered by dehydrogenation, which changes the dominant charge carriers from electrons to holes. It is also revealed that upon dehydrogenation the interfacial Au-N bonds are modified from donor-acceptor-like to covalent, along with a significant promotion of the low-bias conductance and the junction stability. At variance with other traditional methods that always require drastic modifications of the junction structure, our findings provide a promising approach to tailor in situ the polarity of charge carriers in molecular electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Li
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuxuan Jiang
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Stefano Sanvito
- School of Physics, AMBER and CRANN Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Shimin Hou
- Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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14
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Huang L, Zhou Y, Chen Y, Ye J, Liu J, Xiao Z, Tang C, Xia H, Hong W. Sub-nanometer supramolecular rectifier based on the symmetric building block with destructive σ-interference. Sci China Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-021-1086-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Zhao Z, Guo C, Ni L, Zhao X, Zhang S, Xiang D. In situ photoconductivity measurements of imidazole in optical fiber break-junctions. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2021; 6:386-392. [PMID: 33949578 DOI: 10.1039/d1nh00031d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We developed a method based on the mechanically controllable break junction technique to investigate the electron transport properties of single molecular junctions upon fiber waveguided light. In our strategy, a metal-coated tapered optical fiber is fixed on a flexible substrate, and this tapered fiber serves as both the optical waveguide and metal electrodes after it breaks. For an imidazole bridged single-molecule junction, two probable conductance values below 1G0 are observed. The higher value shows an approximately 40% enhancement under illumination, while the lower one does not show distinguishable difference under illumination. Theoretical calculations reveal these two conductance values resulting from the imidazole monomer junction and the imidazole dimer junction linked via a hydrogen bond, respectively. In imidazole monomer junctions, the absorption of a single photon strongly shifts the transmission function resulting in optical-induced conductance enhancement. In contrast, the transmission function of imidazole dimer junctions remains at the same level in the bias window despite the light illumination. This work provides a robust experimental framework for studying the underlying mechanisms of photoconductivity in single-molecule junctions and offers tools for tuning the optoelectronic performance of single-molecule devices in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikai Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Chenyang Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Lifa Ni
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xueyan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Surong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Dong Xiang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology Institute of Modern Optics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Li S, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Hou S. The Formation and Conducting Mechanism of Imidazole‐Gold Molecular Junctions. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202100507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shi Li
- Department of Electronics Peking University Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100871 China
| | - Yuxuan Jiang
- Department of Electronics Peking University Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100871 China
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Peking University No. 5, Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100871 China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- Department of Electronics Peking University Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100871 China
| | - Shimin Hou
- Department of Electronics Peking University Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100871 China
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology Peking University No. 5, Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100871 China
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