1
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Chen Z, Woltering SL, Limburg B, Tsang MY, Baugh J, Briggs GAD, Mol JA, Anderson HL, Thomas JO. Connections to the Electrodes Control the Transport Mechanism in Single-Molecule Transistors. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401323. [PMID: 38410064 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
When designing a molecular electronic device for a specific function, it is necessary to control whether the charge-transport mechanism is phase-coherent transmission or particle-like hopping. Here we report a systematic study of charge transport through single zinc-porphyrin molecules embedded in graphene nanogaps to form transistors, and show that the transport mechanism depends on the chemistry of the molecule-electrode interfaces. We show that van der Waals interactions between molecular anchoring groups and graphene yield transport characteristic of Coulomb blockade with incoherent sequential hopping, whereas covalent molecule-electrode amide bonds give intermediately or strongly coupled single-molecule devices that display coherent transmission. These findings demonstrate the importance of interfacial engineering in molecular electronic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Chen
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, 16 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK
| | - Steffen L Woltering
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, 16 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Bart Limburg
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ming-Yee Tsang
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, 16 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK
| | - Jonathan Baugh
- Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, N2 L 3G1, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - G Andrew D Briggs
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, 16 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK
| | - Jan A Mol
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Harry L Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford Chemistry Research Laboratory, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - James O Thomas
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, 16 Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PH, UK
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
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2
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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 2024:10.1038/s41565-024-01633-1. [PMID: 38528108 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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3
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Jin Z, Xi C, Chen J, Ouyang Y, Wang F, Zhang M, Song F. Magnetotransport spectroscopy of electroburnt graphene nanojunctions. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:6309-6314. [PMID: 38465393 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06176k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
We have reported the precise methodology for fabricating graphene quantum dots through electroburning and performed measurements on the Coulomb blockade and oscillation phenomena. The diameters of graphene quantum dots can be estimated to range from several to tens of nanometers, utilizing the disk capacitance model and the two-dimensional quantum well model. By subjecting the quantum dots to a vertical magnetic field, an obvious alteration in conductance can be detected at the point of resonance tunneling. This observed phenomenon can be attributed to the modification in the density of states of Landau levels within the graphene leads. Moreover, by manipulating the gate voltage, it is possible to regulate the Fermi level of the lead, resulting in distinct magnetoresistance of different electron states. The presence of this lead effect may potentially disrupt the magnetic response analysis of graphene-based single-molecule transistors, necessitating a comprehensive theoretical examination to mitigate such interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Jin
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Caigan Xi
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Yiping Ouyang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Minhao Zhang
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
- Atom Manufacturing Institute (AMI), Nanjing 211805, China
| | - Fengqi Song
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, and School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
- Atom Manufacturing Institute (AMI), Nanjing 211805, China
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4
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Wang C, Wang T, Gao Y, Tao Q, Ye W, Jia Y, Zhao X, Zhang B, Zhang Z. Multiplexed immunosensing of cancer biomarkers on a split-float-gate graphene transistor microfluidic biochip. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:317-326. [PMID: 38087953 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00709j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
This work reports the development of a novel microfluidic biosensor using a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) design for the parallel label-free analysis of multiple biomarkers. Overcoming the persistent challenge of constructing μm2-sized FET sensitive interfaces that incorporate multiple receptors, we implement a split-float-gate structure that enables the manipulation of multiplexed biochemical functionalization using microfluidic channels. Immunoaffinity biosensing experiments are conducted using the mixture samples containing three liver cancer biomarkers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), α-fetoprotein (AFP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The results demonstrate the capability of our label-free biochip to quantitatively detect multiple target biomarkers simultaneously by observing the kinetics in 10 minutes, with the detection limit levels in the nanomolar range. This microfluidic biosensor provides a valuable analytical tool for rapid multi-target biosensing, which can be potentially utilized for domiciliary tests of cancer screening and prognosis, obviating the need for sophisticated instruments and professional operations in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Wireless Mobile Communications and Power Transmission, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Intelligence Science and Technology, College of Artificial Intelligence, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Wireless Mobile Communications and Power Transmission, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Communication Engineering, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yujing Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Wireless Mobile Communications and Power Transmission, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Intelligence Science and Technology, College of Artificial Intelligence, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Qiya Tao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Wireless Mobile Communications and Power Transmission, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Communication Engineering, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Weixiang Ye
- Center for Theoretical Physics, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
- Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Optoelectrical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuan Jia
- Industrialization Center of Micro/Nano ICs and Devices, Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China.
| | - Xiaonan Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Wireless Mobile Communications and Power Transmission, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Communication Engineering, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Wireless Mobile Communications and Power Transmission, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
- Department of Communication Engineering, College of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Zhixing Zhang
- Industrialization Center of Micro/Nano ICs and Devices, Sino-German College of Intelligent Manufacturing, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China.
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5
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Cabrera-Tinoco H, Moreira ACL, Borja-Castro L, Valencia-Bedregal R, Barnes CHW, Santos Valladares LDL. Charge Transport in Conjugated and Saturated Hydrocarbons: Comparing Ballistic and Cotunneling Contributions. J Phys Chem A 2023; 127:10828-10837. [PMID: 38100036 PMCID: PMC10911760 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c05869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The comparison between electrical transport in CnH2n+2S2 alkane and CnHn+2S2 alkene (n = 4, 6, 8, 10) is studied by using a generalized Breit-Wigner approach and considering coherent transport mechanisms and eventual changes in the state of charge (i.e., cotunneling processes) for both molecules. In general, the conductance of alkanes tends to be smaller than that of similar-sized alkenes. However, cotunneling processes have an important participation in the overall transport in the case of alkanes but not for the alkene family. The progressive changes in both the eigenenergies of the relevant frontier molecular orbitals of the charged species and their spatial localization play decisive roles in the observed differences. While the molecular orbitals of the charged species of the conjugated molecules are hardly affected by the applied voltage, their saturated counterparts are quite sensitive to the external field. With this, successive avoided-crossing events between the molecular orbitals of the single-charged alkane molecules can lead to the appearance of nonballistic conduction channels that make no negligible contributions to the molecular transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Augusto C. L. Moreira
- Núcleo
Interdisciplinar em Ciências Exatas e da Natureza (NICEN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 55014-900 Caruaru − PE, Brazil
| | - Luis Borja-Castro
- Laboratorio
de Cerámicos y Nanomateriales, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Ap. Postal 14-0149 Lima, Perú
| | - Renato Valencia-Bedregal
- Laboratorio
de Cerámicos y Nanomateriales, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Ap. Postal 14-0149 Lima, Perú
| | - Crispin H. W. Barnes
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Department of Physics, University
of Cambridge, J. J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
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6
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Hayakawa R, Wakayama Y. Vertical molecular transistors: a new strategy towards practical quantum devices. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 34:502002. [PMID: 37800179 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/acfb0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Considerable effort has been dedicated to improving molecular devices since they were initially proposed by Aviram and Ratner in 1974. Organic molecules are small and have discrete molecular orbitals. These features can facilitate fascinating quantum transport phenomena, such as single-carrier tunneling, resonant tunneling, and quantum interference. The effective gate modulation of these quantum transport phenomena holds the promise of realizing a new computing architecture that differs from that of current Si electronics. In this article, we review the recent research progress on molecular transistors, specifically vertical molecular transistors (VMTs). First, we discuss the benefits of VMTs for future molecular-scale transistors compared with the currently dominant lateral molecular transistors. Subsequently, we describe representative examples of VMTs, where single molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and isolated molecules are used as transistor channels. Finally, we present our conclusions and perspectives about the use of VMTs for attractive quantum devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Hayakawa
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
| | - Yutaka Wakayama
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
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7
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Yang C, Yang C, Guo Y, Feng J, Guo X. Graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions to detect electronic reactions at the molecular scale. Nat Protoc 2023:10.1038/s41596-023-00822-x. [PMID: 37045993 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00822-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability to measure the behavior of a single molecule during a reaction implies the detection of inherent dynamic and static disordered states, which may not be represented when measuring ensemble averages. Here, we describe the building of devices with graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions integrated into an electrical circuit. These devices are simple to build and are stable, showing tolerance to mechanical changes, solution environment and voltage stimulation. The design of a conductive channel based on a single molecule enables single-molecule detection and is sensitive to variations in physical properties and chemical structures of the detected molecules. The on-chip setup of single-molecule junctions further offers complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, enabling logic functions in circuit elements, as well as deciphering of reaction intermediates. We detail the experimental procedure to prepare graphene transistor arrays as a basis for single-molecule junctions and the preparation of nanogapped carboxyl-terminal graphene electrodes by using electron-beam lithography and oxygen plasma etching. We describe the basic design of a molecular bridge with desired functions and terminals to form covalent bonds with electrode arrays, via a chemical reaction, to construct stably integrated single-molecule devices with a yield of 30-50% per chip. The immobilization of the single molecules is then characterized by using inelastic electron tunneling spectra, single-molecule imaging and fluorescent spectra. The whole protocol can be implemented within 2 weeks and requires users trained in using ultra-clean laboratory facilities and the aforementioned instrumentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Centre, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyao Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Centre, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilin Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Centre, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfei Feng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Centre, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Centre, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Centre of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Yang C, Guo Y, Zhou S, Liu Z, Liu Z, Zhang D, Guo X. A Tunable Single-Molecule Light-Emitting Diode with Single-Photon Precision. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209750. [PMID: 36718825 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A robust single-molecule light-emitting diode (SM-LED) with high color purity, linear polarization, and efficiency tunability is prepared by covalently integrating one fluorescent molecule into nanogapped graphene electrodes. Furthermore, single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer from the electroluminescent center to different accepters is achieved through rational molecular engineering, enabling construction of a multicolor SM-LED. All these characterizations are accomplished in the photoelectrical integration system with high temporal/spatial/energy resolution, demonstrating the capability of the single-photon emission of SM-LEDs. The success in developing high-performance SM-LEDs inspires the development of the next generation of commercial display devices and promises a single-photon emitter for use in quantum computation and quantum communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Shuyao Zhou
- 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
| | - Zhirong Liu
- 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
| | - Zitong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Deqing Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, 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, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
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9
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Zou YL, Liang QM, Lu T, Li YG, Zhao S, Gao J, Yang ZX, Feng A, Shi J, Hong W, Tian ZQ, Yang Y. A van der Waals heterojunction strategy to fabricate layer-by-layer single-molecule switch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf0425. [PMID: 36753541 PMCID: PMC9908013 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf0425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule electronics offer a unique strategy for the miniaturization of electronic devices. However, the existing experiments are limited to the conventional molecular junctions, where a molecule anchors to the electrode pair with linkers. With such a rod-like configuration, the minimum size of the device is defined by the length of the molecule. Here, by incorporating a single molecule with two single-layer graphene electrodes, we fabricated layer-by-layer single-molecule heterojunctions called single-molecule two-dimensional van der Waals heterojunctions (M-2D-vdWHs), of which the sizes are defined by the thickness of the molecule. We controlled the conformation of the M-2D-vdWHs and the cross-plane charge transport through them with the applied electric field and established that they can serve as reversible switches. Our results demonstrate that the M-2D-vdWHs, as stacked from single-layer 2D materials and a single molecule, can respond to electric field stimulus, which promises a diverse class of single-molecule devices with unprecedented size.
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10
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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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11
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Meng L, Xin N, Hu C, Sabea HA, Zhang M, Jiang H, Ji Y, Jia C, Yan Z, Zhang Q, Gu L, He X, Selvanathan P, Norel L, Rigaut S, Guo H, Meng S, Guo X. Dual-gated single-molecule field-effect transistors beyond Moore's law. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1410. [PMID: 35301285 PMCID: PMC8931007 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28999-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As conventional silicon-based transistors are fast approaching the physical limit, it is essential to seek alternative candidates, which should be compatible with or even replace microelectronics in the future. Here, we report a robust solid-state single-molecule field-effect transistor architecture using graphene source/drain electrodes and a metal back-gate electrode. The transistor is constructed by a single dinuclear ruthenium-diarylethene (Ru-DAE) complex, acting as the conducting channel, connecting covalently with nanogapped graphene electrodes, providing field-effect behaviors with a maximum on/off ratio exceeding three orders of magnitude. Use of ultrathin high-k metal oxides as the dielectric layers is key in successfully achieving such a high performance. Additionally, Ru-DAE preserves its intrinsic photoisomerisation property, which enables a reversible photoswitching function. Both experimental and theoretical results demonstrate these distinct dual-gated behaviors consistently at the single-molecule level, which helps to develop the different technology for creation of practical ultraminiaturised functional electrical circuits beyond Moore’s law. Conventional silicon-based transistors, which sit at the heart of every computer, are fast approaching the limit of miniaturisation. Here, Meng et al demonstrate a field-effect transistor composed of a single rutheniumdiarylethene molecule with large on/off ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Meng
- 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.,Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Na Xin
- 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
| | - Chen Hu
- Center for the Physics of Materials and Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T8, Canada
| | - Hassan Al Sabea
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Miao Zhang
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, PR China
| | - Hongyu Jiang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yiru Ji
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, PR China
| | - Zhuang Yan
- 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
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Lin Gu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Pramila Selvanathan
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Lucie Norel
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Stéphane Rigaut
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR 6226, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Hong Guo
- Center for the Physics of Materials and Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T8, Canada.
| | - Sheng Meng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR 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, PR China. .,Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, PR China.
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12
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Schemes for Single Electron Transistor Based on Double Quantum Dot Islands Utilizing a Graphene Nanoscroll, Carbon Nanotube and Fullerene. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010301. [PMID: 35011532 PMCID: PMC8746334 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The single electron transistor (SET) is a nanoscale switching device with a simple equivalent circuit. It can work very fast as it is based on the tunneling of single electrons. Its nanostructure contains a quantum dot island whose material impacts on the device operation. Carbon allotropes such as fullerene (C60), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoscrolls (GNSs) can be utilized as the quantum dot island in SETs. In this study, multiple quantum dot islands such as GNS-CNT and GNS-C60 are utilized in SET devices. The currents of two counterpart devices are modeled and analyzed. The impacts of important parameters such as temperature and applied gate voltage on the current of two SETs are investigated using proposed mathematical models. Moreover, the impacts of CNT length, fullerene diameter, GNS length, and GNS spiral length and number of turns on the SET’s current are explored. Additionally, the Coulomb blockade ranges (CB) of the two SETs are compared. The results reveal that the GNS-CNT SET has a lower Coulomb blockade range and a higher current than the GNS-C60 SET. Their charge stability diagrams indicate that the GNS-CNT SET has smaller Coulomb diamond areas, zero-current regions, and zero-conductance regions than the GNS-C60 SET.
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13
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Zhao Y, Gobbi M, Hueso LE, Samorì P. Molecular Approach to Engineer Two-Dimensional Devices for CMOS and beyond-CMOS Applications. Chem Rev 2021; 122:50-131. [PMID: 34816723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) have attracted tremendous research interest over the last two decades. Their unique optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties make 2DMs key building blocks for the fabrication of novel complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and beyond-CMOS devices. Major advances in device functionality and performance have been made by the covalent or noncovalent functionalization of 2DMs with molecules: while the molecular coating of metal electrodes and dielectrics allows for more efficient charge injection and transport through the 2DMs, the combination of dynamic molecular systems, capable to respond to external stimuli, with 2DMs makes it possible to generate hybrid systems possessing new properties by realizing stimuli-responsive functional devices and thereby enabling functional diversification in More-than-Moore technologies. In this review, we first introduce emerging 2DMs, various classes of (macro)molecules, and molecular switches and discuss their relevant properties. We then turn to 2DM/molecule hybrid systems and the various physical and chemical strategies used to synthesize them. Next, we discuss the use of molecules and assemblies thereof to boost the performance of 2D transistors for CMOS applications and to impart diverse functionalities in beyond-CMOS devices. Finally, we present the challenges, opportunities, and long-term perspectives in this technologically promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuda Zhao
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.,School of Micro-Nano Electronics, ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Centre, Zhejiang University, 38 Zheda Road, 310027 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Centro de Fisica de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, E-20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.,CIC nanoGUNE, E-20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Luis E Hueso
- CIC nanoGUNE, E-20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paolo Samorì
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
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14
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Zhang Z, Cao L, Chen X, Thompson D, Qi D, Nijhuis CA. Energy-Level Alignment and Orbital-Selective Femtosecond Charge Transfer Dynamics of Redox-Active Molecules on Au, Ag, and Pt Metal Surfaces. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2021; 125:18474-18482. [PMID: 34476044 PMCID: PMC8404196 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c04655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Charge transfer (CT) dynamics across metal-molecule interfaces has important implications for performance and function of molecular electronic devices. CT times, on the order of femtoseconds, can be precisely measured using synchrotron-based core-hole clock (CHC) spectroscopy, but little is known about the impact on CT times of the metal work function and the bond dipole created by metals and the anchoring group. To address this, here we measure CT dynamics across self-assembled monolayers bound by thiolate anchoring groups to Ag, Au, and Pt. The molecules have a terminal ferrocene (Fc) group connected by varying numbers of methylene units to a diphenylacetylene (DPA) wire. CT times measured using CHC with resonant photoemission spectroscopy (RPES) show that conjugated DPA wires conduct electricity faster than aliphatic carbon wires of a similar length. Shorter methylene connectors exhibit increased conjugation between Fc and DPA, facilitating CT by providing greater orbital mixing. We find nearly 10-fold increase in the CT time on Pt compared to Ag due to a larger bond dipole generated by partial electron transfer from the metal-sulfur bond to the carbon-sulfur bond, which creates an electrostatic field that impedes CT from the molecules. By fitting the RPES signal, we distinguish electrons coming from the Fe center and from cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings. The latter shows faster CT rates because of the delocalized Cp orbitals. Our study demonstrates the fine tuning of CT rates across junctions by careful engineering of several parts of the molecule and the molecule-metal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive, 117543, Singapore
| | - Liang Cao
- Anhui
Province Key Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics at Extreme Conditions,
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Anhui
Province Key Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics at Extreme Conditions,
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Damien Thompson
- Department
of Physics, Bernal Institute, University
of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Dongchen Qi
- Centre
for Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Christian A. Nijhuis
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive, 117543, Singapore
- Centre
for Advanced 2D Materials, National University
of Singapore, 6 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117546, Singapore
- Hybrid Materials
for Opto-Electronics Group, Department of Molecules and Materials,
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and Center for Brain-Inspired Nano
Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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15
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Akhtar A, Rashid U, Seth C, Kumar S, Broekmann P, Kaliginedi V. Modulating the charge transport in metal│molecule│metal junctions via electrochemical gating. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Ghasemi S, Moth-Poulsen K. Single molecule electronic devices with carbon-based materials: status and opportunity. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:659-671. [PMID: 33406181 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr07844a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The field of single molecule electronics has progressed remarkably in the past decades by allowing for more versatile molecular functions and improving device fabrication techniques. In particular, electrodes made from carbon-based materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may enable parallel fabrication of multiple single molecule devices. In this perspective, we review the recent progress in the field of single molecule electronics, with a focus on devices that utilizes carbon-based electrodes. The paper is structured in three main sections: (i) controlling the molecule/graphene electrode interface using covalent and non-covalent approaches, (ii) using CNTs as electrodes for fabricating single molecule devices, and (iii) a discussion of possible future directions employing new or emerging 2D materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ghasemi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412-96 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Kasper Moth-Poulsen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412-96 Göteborg, Sweden.
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17
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Weckbecker D, Coto PB, Thoss M. Molecular Transistor Controlled through Proton Transfer. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:413-417. [PMID: 33356318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential of proton transfer reactions as a fundamental mechanism to realize a nanoscale molecular transistor is investigated. Employing density functional theory and the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we identify molecule-graphene nanojunctions, which exhibit high- and low-conducting states depending on the specific location of protons in the molecular bridge. In addition, we show that an electrostatic gate field can control the proton transfer process and thus allow specific conductance states to be selected. In this way, the current in the junction can be switched on and off as in a field-effect transistor. The underlying mechanism is analyzed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Weckbecker
- Lehrstuhl für theoretische Festkörperphysik, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 7/B2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - P B Coto
- Materials Physics Center (CFM), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 Donostia/San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 Donostia/San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - M Thoss
- Physikalisches Institut, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 3, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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18
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Karthäuser S, Peter S, Simon U. Integration of Individual Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles into Nanoelectrode Configurations: Recent Advances. Eur J Inorg Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.202000629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Karthäuser
- Peter Grünberg Institut (PGI‐7) and JARA‐FIT Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Germany
| | - Sophia Peter
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and JARA‐FIT RWTH Aachen University 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Ulrich Simon
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and JARA‐FIT RWTH Aachen University 52074 Aachen Germany
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19
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Yang C, Qin A, Tang BZ, Guo X. Fabrication and functions of graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:120902. [PMID: 32241145 DOI: 10.1063/1.5144275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The past two decades have witnessed increasingly rapid advances in the field of single-molecule electronics, which are expected to overcome the limitation of the miniaturization of silicon-based microdevices, thus promoting the development of device manufacturing technologies and characterization means. In addition to this, they can enable us to investigate the intrinsic properties of materials at the atomic- or molecular-length scale and probe new phenomena that are inaccessible in ensemble experiments. In this perspective, we start from a brief introduction on the manufacturing method of graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions (GMG-SMJs). Then, we make a description on the remarkable functions of GMG-SMJs, especially on the investigation of single-molecule charge transport and dynamics. Finally, we conclude by discussing the main challenges and future research directions of molecular electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, Center for Aggregation-Induced Emission, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Anjun Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, Center for Aggregation-Induced Emission, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, Center for Aggregation-Induced Emission, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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20
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Ai Y, Lacroix JC. Self-terminated fabrication of electrochemically-gated conducting polymer nanojunctions. Electrochem commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2020.106674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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21
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Understanding resonant charge transport through weakly coupled single-molecule junctions. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4628. [PMID: 31604934 PMCID: PMC6789103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12625-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Off-resonant charge transport through molecular junctions has been extensively studied since the advent of single-molecule electronics and is now well understood within the framework of the non-interacting Landauer approach. Conversely, gaining a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the resonant transport regime has proven more elusive. Here, we study resonant charge transport through graphene-based zinc-porphyrin junctions. We experimentally demonstrate an inadequacy of non-interacting Landauer theory as well as the conventional single-mode Franck–Condon model. Instead, we model overall charge transport as a sequence of non-adiabatic electron transfers, with rates depending on both outer and inner-sphere vibrational interactions. We show that the transport properties of our molecular junctions are determined by a combination of electron–electron and electron-vibrational coupling, and are sensitive to interactions with the wider local environment. Furthermore, we assess the importance of nuclear tunnelling and examine the suitability of semi-classical Marcus theory as a description of charge transport in molecular devices. The mechanism of nonadiabatic electron transfer in molecular systems is an important research topic for understanding various chemical reactions. Thomas et al. quantify resonant charge transport through single-molecule junctions as a model system for examining quantum and Marcus theories.
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22
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El Abbassi M, Sangtarash S, Liu X, Perrin ML, Braun O, Lambert C, van der Zant HSJ, Yitzchaik S, Decurtins S, Liu SX, Sadeghi H, Calame M. Robust graphene-based molecular devices. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 14:957-961. [PMID: 31527843 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-019-0533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the main challenges to upscale the fabrication of molecular devices is to achieve a mechanically stable device with reproducible and controllable electronic features that operates at room temperature1,2. This is crucial because structural and electronic fluctuations can lead to significant changes in the transport characteristics at the electrode-molecule interface3,4. In this study, we report on the realization of a mechanically and electronically robust graphene-based molecular junction. Robustness was achieved by separating the requirements for mechanical and electronic stability at the molecular level. Mechanical stability was obtained by anchoring molecules directly to the substrate, rather than to graphene electrodes, using a silanization reaction. Electronic stability was achieved by adjusting the π-π orbitals overlap of the conjugated head groups between neighbouring molecules. The molecular devices exhibited stable current-voltage (I-V) characteristics up to bias voltages of 2.0 V with reproducible transport features in the temperature range from 20 to 300 K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria El Abbassi
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Sangtarash
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Xunshan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mickael Lucien Perrin
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Braun
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Colin Lambert
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Shlomo Yitzchaik
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Hatef Sadeghi
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Michel Calame
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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23
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Sun H, Liu X, Su Y, Deng B, Peng H, Decurtins S, Sanvito S, Liu SX, Hou S, Liao J. Dirac-cone induced gating enhancement in single-molecule field-effect transistors. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:13117-13125. [PMID: 31268079 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr01551e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Using graphene as electrodes provides an opportunity for fabricating stable single-molecule field-effect transistors (FETs) operating at room temperature. However, the role of the unique graphene band structure in charge transport of single-molecule devices is still not clear. Here we report the Dirac-cone induced electrostatic gating effects in single-molecule FETs with graphene electrodes and a solid-state local bottom gate. With the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) as the dominating conduction channel and the graphene leads remaining intrinsic at zero gate voltage, electrostatic gating on the HOMO and the density of states of graphene at the negative gate polarity reinforces each other, resulting in an enhanced conductance modulation. In contrast, gating effects on the HOMO and the graphene states at the positive gate polarity are opposite. Depending on the gating efficiencies, the conductance can decrease, increase or remain almost unchanged when a more positive gate voltage is applied. Our observations can be well understood by a modified single-level model taking into account the linear dispersion of graphene near the Dirac point. Single-molecule FETs with Dirac-cone enhanced gating have shown high performances, with the modulation of a wide range of current over one order of magnitude. Our studies highlight the advantages of using graphene as an electrode material for molecular devices and pave the way for single-molecule FETs toward circuitry applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Sun
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. and Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xunshan Liu
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Yanjie Su
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. and Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Bing Deng
- Center for Nanochemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hailin Peng
- Center for Nanochemistry, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Silvio Decurtins
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Stefano Sanvito
- School of Physics, AMBER and CRANN Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Shi-Xia Liu
- Departement für Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Shimin Hou
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China. and Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jianhui Liao
- Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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24
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Basu TS, Diesch S, Obergfell M, Demsar J, Scheer E. Energy scales and dynamics of electronic excitations in functionalized gold nanoparticles measured at the single particle level. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:13446-13452. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp02378j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of the electronic structure in nanoparticles and their dynamics is a prerequisite to develop miniaturized single electron devices based on nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Diesch
- Department of Physics
- University of Konstanz
- 78457 Konstanz
- Germany
| | - Manuel Obergfell
- Institute of Physics
- Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
- 55128 Mainz
- Germany
| | - Jure Demsar
- Institute of Physics
- Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
- 55128 Mainz
- Germany
| | - Elke Scheer
- Department of Physics
- University of Konstanz
- 78457 Konstanz
- Germany
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25
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Zhao GD, Li LM, Wang Y, Stroppa A, Zhang JH, Ren W. Modifying spin current filtering and magnetoresistance in a molecular spintronic device. RSC Adv 2018; 8:41587-41593. [PMID: 35559333 PMCID: PMC9092355 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra07343k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zigzag edged graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) is excellent for spintronics devices, and many efforts have been made to investigate its properties such as spin filtering, rectification and magnetoresistance. Here we propose a molecular spintronic transport device based on two ZGNR electrodes connected with a dibenzo[a,c]dibenzo[5,6:7,8]quinoxalino[2,3-i]phenazine (DDQP) molecule. By performing first-principles electron transport computations, we found an enhanced spin polarized current–voltage curve, giant spin filter efficiency, magnetoresistance and rectification ratio properties of the device compared to its all-carbon molecular analogue. Our systematic investigation suggests the vital role played in spin polarized electron transport by nitrogen atoms in DDQP, the ZGNR probe's width and terminal geometry, especially the increased spin filter efficiency with higher ZGNR width. Three general factors of the molecule device were investigated to enhance its spin filtering efficiency.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Dong Zhao
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures, Physics Department, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China .,Materials Genome Institute and Shanghai Key Laboratory of High Temperature Superconductors, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Li-Meng Li
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures, Physics Department, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China .,Materials Genome Institute and Shanghai Key Laboratory of High Temperature Superconductors, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Yin Wang
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures, Physics Department, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Alessandro Stroppa
- CNR-SPIN Via Vetoio 67100 L'Aquila Italy.,International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures, Physics Department, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Ji-Hua Zhang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Computational Nano-Material Science, Guizhou Education University Guiyang 550018 China
| | - Wei Ren
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures, Physics Department, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China .,Materials Genome Institute and Shanghai Key Laboratory of High Temperature Superconductors, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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26
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Eklöf-Österberg J, Gschneidtner T, Tebikachew B, Lara-Avila S, Moth-Poulsen K. Parallel Fabrication of Self-Assembled Nanogaps for Molecular Electronic Devices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1803471. [PMID: 30358919 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201803471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Single molecule electronics might be a way to add additional function to nanoscale devices and continue miniaturization beyond current state of the art. Here, a combined top-down and bottom-up strategy is employed to assemble single molecules onto prefabricated electrodes. Protodevices, which are self-assembled nanogaps composed by two gold nanoparticles linked by a single or a few molecules, are guided onto top-down prefabricated nanosized nickel electrodes with sandwiched palladium layers. It is shown that an optimized geometry of multilayered metallic (top-down) electrodes facilitates the assembly of (bottom-up) nanostructures by surface charge interactions. Moreover, such assembly process results in an electrode-nanoparticle interface free from linking molecules that enable electrical measurements to probe electron transport properties of the nanoparticle-molecule-nanoparticle protodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnas Eklöf-Österberg
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 412 96, Sweden
| | - Tina Gschneidtner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 412 96, Sweden
| | - Behabitu Tebikachew
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 412 96, Sweden
| | - Samuel Lara-Avila
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 412 96, Sweden
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Kasper Moth-Poulsen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 412 96, Sweden
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27
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Sowa JK, Mol JA, Briggs GAD, Gauger EM. Beyond Marcus theory and the Landauer-Büttiker approach in molecular junctions: A unified framework. J Chem Phys 2018; 149:154112. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5049537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub K. Sowa
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PH Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jan A. Mol
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PH Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - G. Andrew D. Briggs
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PH Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Erik M. Gauger
- SUPA, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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28
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Xin N, Li X, Jia C, Gong Y, Li M, Wang S, Zhang G, Yang J, Guo X. Tuning Charge Transport in Aromatic-Ring Single-Molecule Junctions via Ionic-Liquid Gating. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:14026-14031. [PMID: 30215882 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201807465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Achieving gate control with atomic precision, which is crucial to the transistor performance on the smallest scale, remains a challenge. Herein we report a new class of aromatic-ring molecular nanotransistors based on graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions by using an ionic-liquid gate. Experimental phenomena and theoretical calculations confirm that this ionic-liquid gate can effectively modulate the alignment between molecular frontier orbitals and the Fermi energy level of graphene electrodes, thus tuning the charge-transport properties of the junctions. In addition, with a small gate voltage (|VG |≤1.5 V) ambipolar charge transport in electrochemically inactive molecular systems (EG >3.5 eV) is realized. These results offer a useful way to build high-performance single-molecule transistors, thus promoting the prospects for molecularly engineered electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Yao Gong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Mingliang Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Shuopei Wang
- Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Guangyu Zhang
- Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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29
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Tuning Charge Transport in Aromatic-Ring Single-Molecule Junctions via Ionic-Liquid Gating. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201807465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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30
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Puczkarski P, Wu Q, Sadeghi H, Hou S, Karimi A, Sheng Y, Warner JH, Lambert CJ, Briggs GAD, Mol JA. Low-Frequency Noise in Graphene Tunnel Junctions. ACS NANO 2018; 12:9451-9460. [PMID: 30114902 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b04713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Graphene tunnel junctions are a promising experimental platform for single molecule electronics and biosensing. Ultimately their noise properties will play a critical role in developing these applications. Here we report a study of electrical noise in graphene tunnel junctions fabricated through feedback-controlled electroburning. We observe random telegraph signals characterized by a Lorentzian noise spectrum at cryogenic temperatures (77 K) and a 1/ f noise spectrum at room temperature. To gain insight into the origin of these noise features, we introduce a theoretical model that couples a quantum mechanical tunnel barrier to one or more classical fluctuators. The fluctuators are identified as charge traps in the underlying dielectric, which through random fluctuations in their occupation introduce time-dependent modulations in the electrostatic environment that shift the potential barrier of the junction. Analysis of the experimental results and the tight-binding model indicate that the random trap occupation is governed by Poisson statistics. In the 35 devices measured at room temperature, we observe a 20-60% time-dependent variance of the current, which can be attributed to a relative potential barrier shift of between 6% and 10%. In 10 devices measured at 77 K, we observe a 10% time-dependent variance of the current, which can be attributed to a relative potential barrier shift of between 3% and 4%. Our measurements reveal a high sensitivity of the graphene tunnel junctions to their local electrostatic environment, with observable features of intertrap Coulomb interactions in the distribution of current switching amplitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Puczkarski
- Department of Materials , University of Oxford , 16 Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PH , United Kingdom
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Bailrigg , Lancaster LA1 4YB , United Kingdom
| | - Hatef Sadeghi
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Bailrigg , Lancaster LA1 4YB , United Kingdom
| | - Songjun Hou
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Bailrigg , Lancaster LA1 4YB , United Kingdom
| | - Amin Karimi
- Department of Materials , University of Oxford , 16 Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PH , United Kingdom
| | - Yuewen Sheng
- Department of Materials , University of Oxford , 16 Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PH , United Kingdom
| | - Jamie H Warner
- Department of Materials , University of Oxford , 16 Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PH , United Kingdom
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Bailrigg , Lancaster LA1 4YB , United Kingdom
| | - G Andrew D Briggs
- Department of Materials , University of Oxford , 16 Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PH , United Kingdom
| | - Jan A Mol
- Department of Materials , University of Oxford , 16 Parks Road , Oxford OX1 3PH , United Kingdom
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31
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Electrostatic Gate Control in Molecular Transistors. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2018; 376:37. [PMID: 30194540 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-018-0215-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Molecular transistors, in which single molecules serve as active channel components in a three-terminal device geometry, constitute the building blocks of molecular scale electronic circuits. To demonstrate such devices, a gate electrode has been incorporated in several test beds of molecular electronics. The frontier orbitals' alignments of a molecular transistor can be delicately tuned by modifying the molecular orbital energy with the gate electrode. In this review, we described electrostatic gate control of solid-state molecular transistors. In particular, we focus on recent experimental accomplishments in fabrication and characterization of molecular transistors.
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32
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Sun H, Jiang Z, Xin N, Guo X, Hou S, Liao J. Efficient Fabrication of Stable Graphene-Molecule-Graphene Single-Molecule Junctions at Room Temperature. Chemphyschem 2018; 19:2258-2265. [PMID: 29797388 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201800220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We present a robust approach to fabricate stable single-molecule junctions at room temperature using single-layer graphene as nanoelectrodes. Molecular scale nano-gaps in graphene were generated using an optimized fast-speed feedback-controlled electroburning process. This process shortened the time for creating a single nano-gap to be less than one minute while keeping a yield higher than 97 %. To precisely control the gap position and minimize the effects of edge defects and the quantum confinement, extra-narrow grooves were pre-patterned in the graphene structures with oxygen plasma etching. Molecular junctions were formed by bridging the nano-gaps with amino-functionalized hexaphenyl molecules by taking advantage of chemical reactions between the amino groups at the two ends of the molecules and the carboxyl groups at the edges of graphene electrodes. Electronic transport measurements and transition voltage spectroscopy analysis verified the formation of single-molecule devices. First-principles quantum transport calculations show that the highest occupied molecular orbital of hexaphenyl is closer to the Fermi level of the graphene electrodes and thus the devices exhibit a hole-type transport characteristics. Some of these molecular devices remained stable up to four weeks, highlighting the potential of graphene nano-electrodes in the fabrication of stable single-molecule devices at room temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hantao Sun
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhuoling Jiang
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Na Xin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shimin Hou
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Department of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianhui Liao
- Centre 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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33
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Maurice A, Bodelot L, Tay BK, Lebental B. Controlled, Low-Temperature Nanogap Propagation in Graphene Using Femtosecond Laser Patterning. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1801348. [PMID: 29971912 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201801348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Graphene nanogap systems are promising research tools for molecular electronics, memories, and nanodevices. Here, a way to control the propagation of nanogaps in monolayer graphene during electroburning is demonstrated. A tightly focused femtosecond laser beam is used to induce defects in graphene according to selected patterns. It is shown that, contrary to the pristine graphene devices where nanogap position and shape are uncontrolled, the nanogaps in prepatterned devices propagate along the defect line created by the femtosecond laser. Using passive voltage contrast combined with atomic force microscopy, the reproducibility of the process with a 92% success rate over 26 devices is confirmed. Coupling in situ infrared thermography and finite element analysis yields a real-time estimation of the device temperature during electrical loading. The controlled nanogap formation occurs well below 50 °C when the defect density is high enough. In the perspective of graphene-based circuit fabrication, the availability of a cold electroburning process is critical to preserve the full circuit from thermal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange Maurice
- NOVITAS, Nanoelectronics Center of Excellence, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- CINTRA, CNRS International NTU THALES Research Alliance, Research Techno Plaza, 50 Nanyang Drive, Border X Block, Level 6, Singapore, 637553, Singapore
| | - Laurence Bodelot
- Laboratoire de Mécanique des Solides, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau, 91128, France
| | - Beng Kang Tay
- NOVITAS, Nanoelectronics Center of Excellence, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- CINTRA, CNRS International NTU THALES Research Alliance, Research Techno Plaza, 50 Nanyang Drive, Border X Block, Level 6, Singapore, 637553, Singapore
| | - Bérengère Lebental
- LPICM, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau, 91128, France
- Université Paris-Est, IFSTTAR, COSYS, Marne-La-Vallée, 77447, France
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