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Xie X, Li P, Xu Y, Zhou L, Yan Y, Xie L, Jia C, Guo X. Single-Molecule Junction: A Reliable Platform for Monitoring Molecular Physical and Chemical Processes. ACS NANO 2022; 16:3476-3505. [PMID: 35179354 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring and manipulating the physical and chemical behavior of single molecules is an important development direction of molecular electronics that aids in understanding the molecular world at the single-molecule level. The electrical detection platform based on single-molecule junctions can monitor physical and chemical processes at the single-molecule level with a high temporal resolution, stability, and signal-to-noise ratio. Recently, the combination of single-molecule junctions with different multimodal control systems has been widely used to explore significant physical and chemical phenomena because of its powerful monitoring and control capabilities. In this review, we focus on the applications of single-molecule junctions in monitoring molecular physical and chemical processes. The methods developed for characterizing single-molecule charge transfer and spin characteristics as well as revealing the corresponding intrinsic mechanisms are introduced. Dynamic detection and regulation of single-molecule conformational isomerization, intermolecular interactions, and chemical reactions are also discussed in detail. In addition to these dynamic investigations, this review discusses the open challenges of single-molecule detection in the fields of physics and chemistry and proposes some potential applications in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Xie
- Center for Molecular Systems and Organic Devices (CMSOD), Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - 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, PR China
| | - Yanxia Xu
- 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, PR 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, PR China
| | - Yong Yan
- Center for Molecular Systems and Organic Devices (CMSOD), Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Linghai Xie
- Center for Molecular Systems and Organic Devices (CMSOD), Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, PR 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, PR 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, PR 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, PR 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, PR China
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Role of molecule-electrode coupling strength in inducing inelastic transmission spectra of Hf@C28. Chem Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2020.110930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Taniguchi M. Paving the way to single-molecule chemistry through molecular electronics. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:9641-9650. [PMID: 31062773 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp00264b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since our understanding of single-molecule junctions, in which single molecules are connected between nanoelectrodes, has deepened, we have paved the way to single-molecule chemistry. Herein, we review fundamental properties, including the number of molecules connected to the electrode, their structure and type, the bonding force between the single molecule and electrode and the thermopower and quantum interference in single-molecule junctions. Additionally, we review the application of single-molecule junctions to biomolecules. Finally, we explore single-molecule chemical reaction analysis, which is one direction of single-molecule junction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masateru Taniguchi
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan.
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4
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Fung ED, Gelbwaser D, Taylor J, Low J, Xia J, Davydenko I, Campos LM, Marder S, Peskin U, Venkataraman L. Breaking Down Resonance: Nonlinear Transport and the Breakdown of Coherent Tunneling Models in Single Molecule Junctions. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:2555-2561. [PMID: 30821465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The promise of the field of single-molecule electronics is to reveal a new class of quantum devices that leverages the strong electronic interactions inherent to subnanometer scale systems. Here, we form Au-molecule-Au junctions using a custom scanning tunneling microscope and explore charge transport through current-voltage measurements. We focus on the resonant tunneling regime of two molecules, one that is primarily an electron conductor and one that conducts primarily holes. We find that in the high bias regime, junctions that do not rupture demonstrate reproducible and pronounced negative differential resistance (NDR)-like features followed by hysteresis with peak-to-valley ratios exceeding 100 in some cases. Furthermore, we show that both junction rupture and NDR are induced by charging of the molecular orbital dominating transport and find that the charging is reversible at lower bias and with time with kinetic time scales on the order of hundreds of milliseconds. We argue that these results cannot be explained by existing models of charge transport and likely require theoretical advances describing the transition from coherent to sequential tunneling. Our work also suggests new rules for operating single-molecule devices at high bias to obtain highly nonlinear behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- E-Dean Fung
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics , Columbia University , New York , New York 10027 , United States
| | - David Gelbwaser
- Department of Chemistry , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 United States
| | - Jeffrey Taylor
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics , Columbia University , New York , New York 10027 , United States
| | - Jonathan Low
- Department of Chemistry , Columbia University , New York , New York 10027 , United States
| | - Jianlong Xia
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Life Science , Wuhan University of Technology , Wuhan 430070 , China
| | - Iryna Davydenko
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332-0400 , United States
| | - Luis M Campos
- Department of Chemistry , Columbia University , New York , New York 10027 , United States
| | - Seth Marder
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics , Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta , Georgia 30332-0400 , United States
| | - Uri Peskin
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry , Technion-Israel Institute of Technology , Haifa 32000 , Israel
| | - Latha Venkataraman
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics , Columbia University , New York , New York 10027 , United States
- Department of Chemistry , Columbia University , New York , New York 10027 , United States
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5
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Taniguchi M. Single-Molecule Analysis Methods Using Nanogap Electrodes and Their Application to DNA Sequencing Technologies. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2017. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20170224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masateru Taniguchi
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047
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6
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Jeong H, Kim D, Xiang D, Lee T. High-Yield Functional Molecular Electronic Devices. ACS NANO 2017; 11:6511-6548. [PMID: 28578582 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b02967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An ultimate goal of molecular electronics, which seeks to incorporate molecular components into electronic circuit units, is to generate functional molecular electronic devices using individual or ensemble molecules to fulfill the increasing technical demands of the miniaturization of traditional silicon-based electronics. This review article presents a summary of recent efforts to pursue this ultimate aim, covering the development of reliable device platforms for high-yield ensemble molecular junctions and their utilization in functional molecular electronic devices, in which distinctive electronic functionalities are observed due to the functional molecules. In addition, other aspects pertaining to the practical application of molecular devices such as manufacturing compatibility with existing complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology, their integration, and flexible device applications are also discussed. These advances may contribute to a deeper understanding of charge transport characteristics through functional molecular junctions and provide a desirable roadmap for future practical molecular electronics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunhak Jeong
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Dongku Kim
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Dong Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Optical Information Science and Technology, Institute of Modern Optics, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University , Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Takhee Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University , Seoul 08826, Korea
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Naitoh Y, Albrecht K, Wei Q, Yamamoto K, Shima H, Ishida T. Fabrication of sub-1 nm gap electrodes using metal-mask patterning and conductivity measurements of molecules in nanoscale spaces. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra10873g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabrications of sub-1 nm gap Au electrodes using a metal mask for patterning were achieved. Because the procedure does not involve wet processing, the ranges of possible electrode and substrate materials for the electrodes are greatly expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Naitoh
- Nanoelectronics Research Institute
- Department of Electronics and Manufacturing
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| | - Ken Albrecht
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Yokohama 226-8503
- Japan
- JST
| | - Qingshuo Wei
- Nanomaterials Research Institute
- Department of Materials and Chemistry
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| | - Kimihisa Yamamoto
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- Yokohama 226-8503
- Japan
- JST
| | - Hisashi Shima
- Nanoelectronics Research Institute
- Department of Electronics and Manufacturing
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
| | - Takao Ishida
- Nanomaterials Research Institute
- Department of Materials and Chemistry
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- Tsukuba
- Japan
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8
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Jang Y, Jeong H, Kim D, Hwang WT, Kim JW, Jeong I, Song H, Yoon J, Yi GC, Jeong H, Lee T. Electrical characterization of benzenedithiolate molecular electronic devices with graphene electrodes on rigid and flexible substrates. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 27:145301. [PMID: 26902885 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/14/145301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the electrical characteristics of molecular electronic devices consisting of benzenedithiolate self-assembled monolayers and a graphene electrode. We used the multilayer graphene electrode as a protective interlayer to prevent filamentary path formation during the evaporation of the top electrode in the vertical metal-molecule-metal junction structure. The devices were fabricated both on a rigid SiO2/Si substrate and on a flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate. Using these devices, we investigated the basic charge transport characteristics of benzenedithiolate molecular junctions in length- and temperature-dependent analyses. Additionally, the reliability of the electrical characteristics of the flexible benzenedithiolate molecular devices was investigated under various mechanical bending conditions, such as different bending radii, repeated bending cycles, and a retention test under bending. We also observed the inelastic electron tunneling spectra of our fabricated graphene-electrode molecular devices. Based on the results, we verified that benzenedithiolate molecules participate in charge transport, serving as an active tunneling barrier in solid-state graphene-electrode molecular junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonsik Jang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Institute of Applied Physics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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9
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Karimi MA, Bahoosh SG, Herz M, Hayakawa R, Pauly F, Scheer E. Shot Noise of 1,4-Benzenedithiol Single-Molecule Junctions. NANO LETTERS 2016; 16:1803-1807. [PMID: 26859711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b04848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We report measurements of the shot noise on single-molecule Au-1,4-benzenedithiol-Au junctions, fabricated with the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) technique at 4.2 K in a wide range of conductance values from 10(-2) to 0.24 conductance quanta. We introduce a simple measurement scheme using a current amplifier and a spectrum analyzer and that does not imply special requirements regarding the electrical leads. The experimental findings provide evidence that the current is carried by a single conduction channel throughout the whole conductance range. This observation suggests that the number of channels is limited by the Au-thiol bonds and that contributions due to direct tunneling from the Au to the π-system of the aromatic ring are negligible also for high conductance. The results are supported by quantum transport calculations using density functional theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Karimi
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - S G Bahoosh
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - M Herz
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - R Hayakawa
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
- International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science , 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan
| | - F Pauly
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - E Scheer
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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10
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Zhu WH, Ding GH, Dong B. Negative differential conductance and hysteretic current switching of benzene molecular junction in a transverse electric field. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 25:465202. [PMID: 25355705 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/46/465202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We study charge transport through single benzene molecular junction (BMJ) directly sandwiched between two platinum electrodes by using a tight-binding model and the non-equilibrium Green's function approach. Pronounced negative differential conductance is observed at finite bias voltage, resulting from charge redistribution in BMJ and a Coulomb blockade effect at the interface of molecule-electrode contacts. In the presence of a transverse electric field, hysteretic switching behavior and large spin-polarization of current are obtained, indicating the potential application of BMJ for acting as a nanoscale current modulator or spintronic molecular device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Huan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Structures and Quantum Control (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
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11
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Sun YY, Peng ZL, Hou R, Liang JH, Zheng JF, Zhou XY, Zhou XS, Jin S, Niu ZJ, Mao BW. Enhancing electron transport in molecular wires by insertion of a ferrocene center. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:2260-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp53269k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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12
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Naitoh Y, Ohata T, Matsushita R, Okawa E, Horikawa M, Oyama M, Mukaida M, Wang DF, Kiguchi M, Tsukagoshi K, Ishida T. Self-aligned formation of sub 1 nm gaps utilizing electromigration during metal deposition. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2013; 5:12869-75. [PMID: 24274822 DOI: 10.1021/am403115m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We developed a procedure for the fabrication of sub 1 nm gap Au electrodes via electromigration. Self-aligned nanogap formation was achieved by applying a bias voltage, which causes electromigration during metal evaporation. We also demonstrated the application of this method for the formation of nanogaps as small as 1 nm in width, and we found that the gap size can be controlled by changing the magnitude of the applied voltage. On the basis of the electric conductance and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements, the fabricated gap size was estimated to be nearly equal to the molecular length of 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT). Compared with existing electromigration methods, the new method provides two advantages: the process currents are clearly suppressed and parallel or large area production is possible. This simple method for the fabrication of a sub 1 nm gap electrode is useful for single-molecule-sized electronics and opens the door to future research on integrated sub 1 nm sized nanogap devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhisa Naitoh
- Nanosystem Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) , Namiki 1-2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8564, Japan
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13
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Zhou XY, Peng ZL, Sun YY, Wang LN, Niu ZJ, Zhou XS. Conductance measurement of pyridyl-based single molecule junctions with Cu and Au contacts. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 24:465204. [PMID: 24164714 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/24/46/465204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We studied the conductance of pyridyl-based single molecule junctions with Cu contacts by using an electrochemical jump-to-contact scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (ECSTM-BJ) approach. The single molecule junctions of 4,4'-bipyridine (BPY), 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (BPY-EE) and 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethane (BPY-EA) bridged with Cu clusters show three sets of conductance values. These values are smaller than the conductance values of single molecule junctions with Au electrodes measured by the traditional scanning tunneling microscopy break junction in acidic or neutral solutions, which can be attributed to the different electronic coupling efficiencies between molecules and electrodes. The consistent conductance of pyridyl-based molecules in acidic and neutral solutions may show that the protonated pyridyl group contacts to the electrode through the deprotonated form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, People's Republic of China
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14
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Xiang D, Jeong H, Lee T, Mayer D. Mechanically controllable break junctions for molecular electronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2013; 25:4845-67. [PMID: 23913697 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201301589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) represents a fundamental technique for the investigation of molecular electronic junctions, especially for the study of the electronic properties of single molecules. With unique advantages, the MCBJ technique has provided substantial insight into charge transport processes in molecules. In this review, the techniques for sample fabrication, operation and the various applications of MCBJs are introduced and the history, challenges and future of MCBJs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xiang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-747, Korea
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15
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Demir F, Kirczenow G. Inelastic tunneling spectroscopy of gold-thiol and gold-thiolate interfaces in molecular junctions: the role of hydrogen. J Chem Phys 2012; 137:094703. [PMID: 22957582 DOI: 10.1063/1.4748379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely believed that when a molecule with thiol (S-H) end groups bridges a pair of gold electrodes, the S atoms bond to the gold and the thiol H atoms detach from the molecule. However, little is known regarding the details of this process, its time scale, and whether molecules with and without thiol hydrogen atoms can coexist in molecular junctions. Here, we explore theoretically how inelastic tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) can shed light on these issues. We present calculations of the geometries, low bias conductances, and IETS of propanedithiol and propanedithiolate molecular junctions with gold electrodes. We show that IETS can distinguish between junctions with molecules having no, one, or two thiol hydrogen atoms. We find that in most cases, the single-molecule junctions in the IETS experiment of Hihath et al. [Nano Lett. 8, 1673 (2008)] had no thiol H atoms, but that a molecule with a single thiol H atom may have bridged their junction occasionally. We also consider the evolution of the IETS spectrum as a gold STM tip approaches the intact S-H group at the end of a molecule bound at its other end to a second electrode. We predict the frequency of a vibrational mode of the thiol H atom to increase by a factor ~2 as the gap between the tip and molecule narrows. Therefore, IETS should be able to track the approach of the tip towards the thiol group of the molecule and detect the detachment of the thiol H atom from the molecule when it occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firuz Demir
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
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16
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Tsutsui M, Taniguchi M. Single molecule electronics and devices. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2012; 12:7259-98. [PMID: 22969345 PMCID: PMC3435974 DOI: 10.3390/s120607259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The manufacture of integrated circuits with single-molecule building blocks is a goal of molecular electronics. While research in the past has been limited to bulk experiments on self-assembled monolayers, advances in technology have now enabled us to fabricate single-molecule junctions. This has led to significant progress in understanding electron transport in molecular systems at the single-molecule level and the concomitant emergence of new device concepts. Here, we review recent developments in this field. We summarize the methods currently used to form metal-molecule-metal structures and some single-molecule techniques essential for characterizing molecular junctions such as inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy. We then highlight several important achievements, including demonstration of single-molecule diodes, transistors, and switches that make use of electrical, photo, and mechanical stimulation to control the electron transport. We also discuss intriguing issues to be addressed further in the future such as heat and thermoelectric transport in an individual molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makusu Tsutsui
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan; E-Mail:
| | - Masateru Taniguchi
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan; E-Mail:
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17
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Demir F, Kirczenow G. Identification of the atomic scale structures of the gold-thiol interfaces of molecular nanowires by inelastic tunneling spectroscopy. J Chem Phys 2012; 136:014703. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3671455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Bruot C, Hihath J, Tao N. Mechanically controlled molecular orbital alignment in single molecule junctions. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 7:35-40. [PMID: 22138861 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2011.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/31/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Research in molecular electronics often involves the demonstration of devices that are analogous to conventional semiconductor devices, such as transistors and diodes, but it is also possible to perform experiments that have no parallels in conventional electronics. For example, by applying a mechanical force to a molecule bridged between two electrodes, a device known as a molecular junction, it is possible to exploit the interplay between the electrical and mechanical properties of the molecule to control charge transport through the junction. 1,4'-Benzenedithiol is the most widely studied molecule in molecular electronics, and it was shown recently that the molecular orbitals can be gated by an applied electric field. Here, we report how the electromechanical properties of a 1,4'-benzenedithiol molecular junction change as the junction is stretched and compressed. Counterintuitively, the conductance increases by more than an order of magnitude during stretching, and then decreases again as the junction is compressed. Based on simultaneously recorded current-voltage and conductance-voltage characteristics, and inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy, we attribute this finding to a strain-induced shift of the highest occupied molecular orbital towards the Fermi level of the electrodes, leading to a resonant enhancement of the conductance. These results, which are in agreement with the predictions of theoretical models, also clarify the origins of the long-standing discrepancy between the calculated and measured conductance values of 1,4'-benzenedithiol, which often differ by orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Bruot
- Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Biodesign Institute, School of Electrical, Energy and Computer Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5801, USA
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19
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Hihath J, Bruot C, Nakamura H, Asai Y, Díez-Pérez I, Lee Y, Yu L, Tao N. Inelastic transport and low-bias rectification in a single-molecule diode. ACS NANO 2011; 5:8331-8339. [PMID: 21932824 DOI: 10.1021/nn2030644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Designing, controlling, and understanding rectification behavior in molecular-scale devices has been a goal of the molecular electronics community for many years. Here we study the transport behavior of a single molecule diode, and its nonrectifying, symmetric counterpart at low temperatures, and at both low and high biases to help elucidate the electron-phonon interactions and transport mechanisms in the rectifying system. We find that the onset of current rectification occurs at low biases, indicating a significant change in the elastic transport pathway. However, the peaks in the inelastic electron tunneling (IET) spectrum are antisymmetric about zero bias and show no significant changes in energy or intensity in the forward or reverse bias directions, indicating that despite the change in the elastic transmission probability there is little impact on the inelastic pathway. These results agree with first principles calculations performed to evaluate the IETS, which also allow us to identify which modes are active in the single molecule junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hihath
- The Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University School of Electrical, Energy and Computer Engineering, 1001 S. McAllister Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85281-5801, United States
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Kim Y, Pietsch T, Erbe A, Belzig W, Scheer E. Benzenedithiol: a broad-range single-channel molecular conductor. NANO LETTERS 2011; 11:3734-8. [PMID: 21805977 DOI: 10.1021/nl201777m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
More than a decade after the first report of single-molecule conductance, it remains a challenging goal to prove the exact nature of the transport through single molecules, including the number of transport channels and the origin of these channels from a molecular orbital point of view. We demonstrate for the archetypical organic molecule, benzenedithiol (BDT), incorporated into a mechanically controllable break junction at low temperature, how this information can be deduced from studies of the elastic and inelastic current contributions. We are able to tune the molecular conformation and thus the transport properties by displacing the nanogap electrodes. We observe stable contacts with low conductance in the order of 10(-3) conductance quanta as well as with high conductance values above ∼0.5 quanta. Our observations show unambiguously that the conductance of BDT is carried by a single transport channel provided by the same molecular level, which is coupled to the metallic electrodes, through the whole conductance range. This makes BDT particularly interesting for applications as a broad range coherent molecular conductor with tunable conductance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsang Kim
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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21
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Lin LL, Wang CK, Luo Y. Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy of gold-benzenedithiol-gold junctions: accurate determination of molecular conformation. ACS NANO 2011; 5:2257-63. [PMID: 21309567 DOI: 10.1021/nn103522k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The gold-benzenedithiol-gold junction is the classic prototype of molecular electronics. However, even with the similar experimental setup, it has been difficult to reproduce the measured results because of the lack of basic information about the molecular confirmation inside the junction. We have performed systematic first principles study on the inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy of this classic junction. By comparing the calculated spectra with four different experimental results, the most possible conformations of the molecule under different experimental conditions have been successfully determined. The relationship between the contact configuration and the resulted spectra is revealed. It demonstrates again that one should always combine the theoretical and experimental inelastic electron tunneling spectra to determine the molecular conformation in a junction. Our simulations have also suggested that in terms of the reproducibility and stability, the electromigrated nanogap technique is much better than the mechanically controllable break junction technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Lin
- College of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, PR China
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Hihath J, Bruot C, Tao N. Electron-phonon interactions in single octanedithiol molecular junctions. ACS NANO 2010; 4:3823-3830. [PMID: 20553018 DOI: 10.1021/nn100470s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We study the charge transport properties and electron-phonon interactions in single molecule junctions, each consisting of an octanedithiol molecule covalently bound to two electrodes. Conductance measurements over a wide temperature range establish tunneling as the dominant charge transport process. Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy performed on individual molecular junctions provides a chemical signature of the molecule and allows electron-phonon interaction induced changes in the conductance to be explored. By fitting the conductance changes in the molecular junction using a simple model for inelastic transport, it is possible to estimate the phonon damping rates in the molecule. Finally, changes in the inelastic spectra are examined in relation to conductance switching events in the junction to demonstrate how changes in the configuration of the molecule or contact geometry can affect the conductance of the molecular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hihath
- Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors, the Biodesign Institute, and Department of Electrical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5801, USA
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Yokota K, Taniguchi M, Kawai T. Molecular vibrations in metal–single-molecule–metal junctions. Chem Phys Lett 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2010.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Taniguchi M, Tsutsui M, Yokota K, Kawai T. Mechanically-controllable single molecule switch based on configuration specific electrical conductivity of metal–molecule–metal junctions. Chem Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1039/c0sc00129e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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