1
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Daaoub A, Morris JMF, Béland VA, Demay‐Drouhard P, Hussein A, Higgins SJ, Sadeghi H, Nichols RJ, Vezzoli A, Baumgartner T, Sangtarash S. Not So Innocent After All: Interfacial Chemistry Determines Charge-Transport Efficiency in Single-Molecule Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302150. [PMID: 37029093 PMCID: PMC10953449 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Most studies in molecular electronics focus on altering the molecular wire backbone to tune the electrical properties of the whole junction. However, it is often overlooked that the chemical structure of the groups anchoring the molecule to the metallic electrodes influences the electronic structure of the whole system and, therefore, its conductance. We synthesised electron-accepting dithienophosphole oxide derivatives and fabricated their single-molecule junctions. We found that the anchor group has a dramatic effect on charge-transport efficiency: in our case, electron-deficient 4-pyridyl contacts suppress conductance, while electron-rich 4-thioanisole termini promote efficient transport. Our calculations show that this is due to minute changes in charge distribution, probed at the electrode interface. Our findings provide a framework for efficient molecular junction design, especially valuable for compounds with strong electron withdrawing/donating backbones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdalghani Daaoub
- Device Modelling GroupSchool of EngineeringUniversity of WarwickCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - James M. F. Morris
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolCrown StreetLiverpoolL69 7ZDUK
| | - Vanessa A. Béland
- Department of ChemistryYork University4700 Keele StreetTorontoON, M3J 1P3Canada
| | - Paul Demay‐Drouhard
- Department of ChemistryYork University4700 Keele StreetTorontoON, M3J 1P3Canada
| | - Amaar Hussein
- Department of ChemistryYork University4700 Keele StreetTorontoON, M3J 1P3Canada
| | - Simon J. Higgins
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolCrown StreetLiverpoolL69 7ZDUK
| | - Hatef Sadeghi
- Device Modelling GroupSchool of EngineeringUniversity of WarwickCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - Richard J. Nichols
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolCrown StreetLiverpoolL69 7ZDUK
| | - Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of LiverpoolCrown StreetLiverpoolL69 7ZDUK
| | - Thomas Baumgartner
- Department of ChemistryYork University4700 Keele StreetTorontoON, M3J 1P3Canada
| | - Sara Sangtarash
- Device Modelling GroupSchool of EngineeringUniversity of WarwickCoventryCV4 7ALUK
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2
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Li X, Ge W, Guo S, Bai J, Hong W. Characterization and Application of Supramolecular Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216819. [PMID: 36585932 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of supramolecular chemistry and single-molecule electronics offers a new perspective on supramolecular electronics, and provides a new avenue toward understanding and application of intermolecular charge transport at the molecular level. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances in the characterization technique for the investigation of intermolecular charge transport, and summarize the experimental investigation of several non-covalent interactions, including π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, host-guest interactions and σ-σ interactions at the single-molecule level. We will also provide a perspective on supramolecular electronics and discuss the potential applications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenhui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shuhan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & College of Materials & IKKEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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3
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Abstract
Oligo(arylene ethynylene) (OAE) derivatives are the "workhorse" molecules of molecular electronics. Their ease of synthesis and flexibility of functionalisation mean that a diverse array of OAE molecular wires have been designed, synthesised and studied theoretically and experimentally in molecular junctions using both single-molecule and ensemble methods. This review summarises the breadth of molecular designs that have been investigated with emphasis on structure-property relationships with respect to the electronic conductance of OAEs. The factors considered include molecular length, connectivity, conjugation, (anti)aromaticity, heteroatom effects and quantum interference (QI). Growing interest in the thermoelectric properties of OAE derivatives, which are expected to be at the forefront of research into organic thermoelectric devices, is also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J O'Driscoll
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, UKDH1 3LE.
| | - Martin R Bryce
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, Stockton Road, Durham, UKDH1 3LE.
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4
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Schmidt M, Wassy D, Hermann M, González MT, Agräit N, Zotti LA, Esser B, Leary E. Single-molecule conductance of dibenzopentalenes: antiaromaticity and quantum interference. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:745-748. [PMID: 33346282 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06810a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of antiaromaticity and destructive quantum interference (DQI) are investigated on the charge transport through dibenzo-[a,e]pentalene (DBP). 5,10-Connectivity gives high single-molecule conductance whereas 2,7 gives low conductance due to DQI. Comparison of the 5,10-DBP with phenyl and anthracene analogues yields the trend GDBP ≈ GAnth > GPh, despite the aromatic anthracene having a larger HOMO-LUMO gap than 5,10-DBP. This is explained by unfavourable level alignment for 5,10-DBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Schmidt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Daniel Wassy
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Mathias Hermann
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - M Teresa González
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados (IMDEA), Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Calle Faraday 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Agräit
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados (IMDEA), Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Calle Faraday 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain. and Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, IFIMAC and Instituto "Nicolás Cabrera", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda A Zotti
- Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, E-41011, Spain. and Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada and IFIMAC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Birgit Esser
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. and Freiburg Materials Research Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany and Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT - Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edmund Leary
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados (IMDEA), Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Calle Faraday 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Abstract
Chemical bond induction and mesomerism/resonance are theoretically demonstrated to control quantum interference in single molecule junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A. Zotti
- Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- E-28049 Madrid
- Spain
- Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC)
| | - Edmund Leary
- IMDEA Nanociencia
- Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco
- E-28049 Madrid
- Spain
- Department of Chemistry
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6
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Welker
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Functional Materials, Wake Forest University , Winston-Salem , NC , USA
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7
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Carlotti M, Soni S, Qiu X, Sauter E, Zharnikov M, Chiechi RC. Systematic experimental study of quantum interference effects in anthraquinoid molecular wires. Nanoscale Adv 2019; 1:2018-2028. [PMID: 31304460 PMCID: PMC6592160 DOI: 10.1039/c8na00223a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In order to translate molecular properties in molecular-electronic devices, it is necessary to create design principles that can be used to achieve better structure-function control oriented toward device fabrication. In molecular tunneling junctions, cross-conjugation tends to give rise to destructive quantum interference effects that can be tuned by changing the electronic properties of the molecules. We performed a systematic study of the tunneling charge-transport properties of a series of compounds characterized by an identical cross-conjugated anthraquinoid molecular skeleton but bearing different substituents at the 9 and 10 positions that affect the energies and localization of their frontier orbitals. We compared the experimental results across three different experimental platforms in both single-molecule and large-area junctions and found a general agreement. Combined with theoretical models, these results separate the intrinsic properties of the molecules from platform-specific effects. This work is a step towards explicit synthetic control over tunneling charge transport targeted at specific functionality in (proto-)devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carlotti
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands .
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands .
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Xinkai Qiu
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands .
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Eric Sauter
- Applied Physical Chemistry , Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheier Feld 253 , Heidelberg 69120 , Germany
| | - Michael Zharnikov
- Applied Physical Chemistry , Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheier Feld 253 , Heidelberg 69120 , Germany
| | - Ryan C Chiechi
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands .
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG Groningen , The Netherlands
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8
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Wang K, Vezzoli A, Grace IM, McLaughlin M, Nichols RJ, Xu B, Lambert CJ, Higgins SJ. Charge transfer complexation boosts molecular conductance through Fermi level pinning. Chem Sci 2019; 10:2396-2403. [PMID: 30881668 PMCID: PMC6385675 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc04199g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interference features in the transmission spectra can dominate charge transport in metal-molecule-metal junctions when they occur close to the contact Fermi energy (E F). Here, we show that by forming a charge-transfer complex with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) we can introduce new constructive interference features in the transmission profile of electron-rich, thiophene-based molecular wires that almost coincide with E F. Complexation can result in a large enhancement of junction conductance, with very efficient charge transport even at relatively large molecular lengths. For instance, we report a conductance of 10-3 G 0 (∼78 nS) for the ∼2 nm long α-quaterthiophene:TCNE complex, almost two orders of magnitude higher than the conductance of the bare molecular wire. As the conductance of the complexes is remarkably independent of features such as the molecular backbone and the nature of the contacts to the electrodes, our results strongly suggest that the interference features are consistently pinned near to the Fermi energy of the metallic leads. Theoretical studies indicate that the semi-occupied nature of the charge-transfer orbital is not only important in giving rise to the latter effect, but also could result in spin-dependent transport for the charge-transfer complexes. These results therefore present a simple yet effective way to increase charge transport efficiency in long and poorly conductive molecular wires, with important repercussions in single-entity thermoelectronics and spintronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy & NanoSEC , University of Georgia , 220 Riverbend Road , Athens , GA 30602 , USA .
| | - Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry , University of Liverpool , Crown Street , Liverpool L69 7ZD , UK .
| | - Iain M Grace
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Lancaster LA1 4YB , UK .
| | - Maeve McLaughlin
- Department of Chemistry , University of Liverpool , Crown Street , Liverpool L69 7ZD , UK .
| | - Richard J Nichols
- Department of Chemistry , University of Liverpool , Crown Street , Liverpool L69 7ZD , UK .
| | - Bingqian Xu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy & NanoSEC , University of Georgia , 220 Riverbend Road , Athens , GA 30602 , USA .
- College of Engineering & NanoSEC , University of Georgia , 220 Riverbend Road , Athens , GA 30602 , USA
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Lancaster LA1 4YB , UK .
| | - Simon J Higgins
- Department of Chemistry , University of Liverpool , Crown Street , Liverpool L69 7ZD , UK .
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9
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Carlotti M, Soni S, Kumar S, Ai Y, Sauter E, Zharnikov M, Chiechi RC. Two-Terminal Molecular Memory through Reversible Switching of Quantum Interference Features in Tunneling Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:15681-15685. [PMID: 30260083 PMCID: PMC6283355 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201807879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Large-area molecular tunneling junctions comprising self-assembled monolayers of redox-active molecules are described that exhibit two-terminal bias switching. The as-prepared monolayers undergo partial charge transfer to the underlying metal substrate (Au, Pt, or Ag), which converts their cores from a quinoid to a hydroquinoid form. The resulting rearomatization converts the bond topology from a cross-conjugated to a linearly conjugated π system. The cross-conjugated form correlates to the appearance of an interference feature in the transmission spectrum that vanishes for the linearly conjugated form. Owing to the presence of electron-withdrawing nitrile groups, the reduction potential and the interference feature lie close to the work function and Fermi level of the metallic substrate. We exploited the relationship between conjugation patterns and quantum interference to create nonvolatile memory in proto-devices using eutectic Ga-In as the top contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carlotti
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sumit Kumar
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Yong Ai
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Eric Sauter
- Applied Physical ChemistryHeidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 253Heidelberg69120Germany
| | - Michael Zharnikov
- Applied Physical ChemistryHeidelberg UniversityIm Neuenheimer Feld 253Heidelberg69120Germany
| | - Ryan C. Chiechi
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced MaterialsNijenborgh 49747 AGGroningenThe Netherlands
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10
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Carlotti M, Soni S, Kumar S, Ai Y, Sauter E, Zharnikov M, Chiechi RC. Two-Terminal Molecular Memory through Reversible Switching of Quantum Interference Features in Tunneling Junctions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201807879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carlotti
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry; University of Groningen; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Saurabh Soni
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry; University of Groningen; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Sumit Kumar
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry; University of Groningen; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Yong Ai
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry; University of Groningen; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Eric Sauter
- Applied Physical Chemistry; Heidelberg University; Im Neuenheimer Feld 253 Heidelberg 69120 Germany
| | - Michael Zharnikov
- Applied Physical Chemistry; Heidelberg University; Im Neuenheimer Feld 253 Heidelberg 69120 Germany
| | - Ryan C. Chiechi
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry; University of Groningen; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials; Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
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11
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O'Driscoll LJ, Hamill JM, Grace I, Nielsen BW, Almutib E, Fu Y, Hong W, Lambert CJ, Jeppesen JO. Electrochemical control of the single molecule conductance of a conjugated bis(pyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene based molecular switch. Chem Sci 2017; 8:6123-6130. [PMID: 28989642 PMCID: PMC5625590 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc02037f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The single molecule conductance of a conjugated molecular wire is electrochemically switched upon oxidising or reducing a central bispyrrolotetrathiafulvalene unit.
As the field of unimolecular electronics develops, there is growing interest in the development of functionalised molecular wires, such as switches, which will allow for more complex molecular-scale circuits. To this end, a three redox state single molecule switch, 1, based on bis(pyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene (BPTTF) has been designed, synthesised and investigated using scanning tunnelling microscopy break junction (STM-BJ) studies and quantum transport calculations. Oxidising the BPTTF unit increases its conjugation, which was anticipated to increase the molecular conductance of 1. By changing the redox state of 1 electrochemically it was possible to vary the single molecule conductance by more than an order of magnitude (from 10–5.2G0 to 10–3.8G0). Simulations afforded a qualitatively similar trend. An additional, higher conductance feature is present in most traces at junction sizes of around 2.0 nm – further extension affords the switchable lower conductance feature at junction sizes closer to the molecular length (ca. 3.0 nm). Analysis of the conductance traces shows that these two conductance features occur sequentially in nearly all junctions. This behaviour is attributed to an alternative initial junction conformation in which one or more of the BPTTF sulfur atoms acts as an anchoring group. This hypothesis is supported by a computational study of binding conformations and STM-BJ studies on a model compound, 2, with only one thiol anchor. Our results indicate that the redox properties of BPTTF make it an excellent candidate for use in single molecule switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J O'Driscoll
- Department of Physics , Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55 , DK-5230 , Odense M , Denmark .
| | - Joseph M Hamill
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Bern , Freiestrasse 3 , CH-3012 , Bern , Switzerland .
| | - Iain Grace
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Lancaster , LA1 4YB , UK .
| | - Bodil W Nielsen
- Department of Physics , Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55 , DK-5230 , Odense M , Denmark .
| | - Eman Almutib
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Lancaster , LA1 4YB , UK .
| | - Yongchun Fu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Bern , Freiestrasse 3 , CH-3012 , Bern , Switzerland .
| | - Wenjing Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Bern , Freiestrasse 3 , CH-3012 , Bern , Switzerland .
| | - Colin J Lambert
- Department of Physics , Lancaster University , Lancaster , LA1 4YB , UK .
| | - Jan O Jeppesen
- Department of Physics , Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Southern Denmark , Campusvej 55 , DK-5230 , Odense M , Denmark .
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12
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Li X, Hu D, Tan Z, Bai J, Xiao Z, Yang Y, Shi J, Hong W. Supramolecular Systems and Chemical Reactions in Single-Molecule Break Junctions. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2017; 375:42. [PMID: 28337670 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-017-0123-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The major challenges of molecular electronics are the understanding and manipulation of the electron transport through the single-molecule junction. With the single-molecule break junction techniques, including scanning tunneling microscope break junction technique and mechanically controllable break junction technique, the charge transport through various single-molecule and supramolecular junctions has been studied during the dynamic fabrication and continuous characterization of molecular junctions. This review starts from the charge transport characterization of supramolecular junctions through a variety of noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bond, π-π interaction, and electrostatic force. We further review the recent progress in constructing highly conductive molecular junctions via chemical reactions, the response of molecular junctions to external stimuli, as well as the application of break junction techniques in controlling and monitoring chemical reactions in situ. We suggest that beyond the measurement of single molecular conductance, the single-molecule break junction techniques provide a promising access to study molecular assembly and chemical reactions at the single-molecule scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Duan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zhibing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Zongyuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Jia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Wenjing Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben H. Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Ivie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Tyler K. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Oliver L. A. Monti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1306 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Arizona, 1118 E. Fourth Street, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
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14
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Mansø M, Koole M, Mulder M, Olavarria-Contreras IJ, Andersen CL, Jevric M, Broman SL, Kadziola A, Hammerich O, van der Zant HSJ, Nielsen MB. Synthesis and Single-Molecule Conductances of Neutral and Cationic Indenofluorene-Extended Tetrathiafulvalenes: Kondo Effect Molecules. J Org Chem 2016; 81:8406-14. [PMID: 27548751 PMCID: PMC5038357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b01579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Development of molecules
that can switch between redox states with
paired and unpaired electrons is important for molecular electronics
and spintronics. In this work, a selection of redox-active indenofluorene-extended
tetrathiafulvalenes (IF-TTFs) with thioacetate end groups was prepared
from a readily obtainable dibromo-functionalized IF-TTF building block
using palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, such as the Suzuki
reaction. The end groups served as electrode anchoring groups for
single-molecule conductance studies, and the molecules were subjected
to mechanically controlled break-junction measurements with gold contacts
and to low-bias charge transport measurements in gated three-terminal
electromigration junctions. The neutral molecules showed clear conductance
signatures, and somewhat surprisingly, we found that a meta–meta anchoring configuration gave a higher conductance than a para–meta configuration. We explain this behavior
by “through-space” coupling between the gold electrode
and the phenyl on which the anchoring group is attached. Upon charging
the molecule in a gated junction, we found reproducibly a Kondo effect
(zero-bias conductance) attributed to a net spin. Ready generation
of radical cations was supported by cyclic voltammetry measurements,
revealing stepwise formation of radical cation and dication species
in solution. The first oxidation event was accompanied by association
reactions as the appearance of the first oxidation peak was strongly
concentration dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Mansø
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Max Koole
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology , Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Mulder
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology , Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cecilie Lindholm Andersen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Martyn Jevric
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Søren Lindbæk Broman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anders Kadziola
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Ole Hammerich
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Herre S J van der Zant
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology , Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mogens Brøndsted Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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15
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Zhang W, Gan S, Vezzoli A, Davidson RJ, Milan DC, Luzyanin KV, Higgins SJ, Nichols RJ, Beeby A, Low PJ, Li B, Niu L. Single-Molecule Conductance of Viologen-Cucurbit[8]uril Host-Guest Complexes. ACS Nano 2016; 10:5212-5220. [PMID: 27055002 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b00786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The local molecular environment is a critical factor which should be taken into account when measuring single-molecule electrical properties in condensed media or in the design of future molecular electronic or single molecule sensing devices. Supramolecular interactions can be used to control the local environment in molecular assemblies and have been used to create microenvironments, for instance, for chemical reactions. Here, we use supramolecular interactions to create microenvironments which influence the electrical conductance of single molecule wires. Cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) with a large hydrophobic cavity was used to host the viologen (bipyridinium) molecular wires forming a 1:1 supramolecular complex. Significant increases in the viologen wire single molecule conductances are observed when it is threaded into CB[8] due to large changes of the molecular microenvironment. The results were interpreted within the framework of a Marcus-type model for electron transfer as arising from a reduction in outer-sphere reorganization energy when the viologen is confined within the hydrophobic CB[8] cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, c/o Engineering Laboratory for Modern Analytical Techniques, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Shiyu Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, c/o Engineering Laboratory for Modern Analytical Techniques, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, China
| | - Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Ross J Davidson
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University , South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - David C Milan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantin V Luzyanin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Nichols
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Beeby
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University , South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Low
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Western Australia , 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Buyi Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Li Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, c/o Engineering Laboratory for Modern Analytical Techniques, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022, China
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16
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Vezzoli A, Grace I, Brooke C, Wang K, Lambert CJ, Xu B, Nichols RJ, Higgins SJ. Gating of single molecule junction conductance by charge transfer complex formation. Nanoscale 2015; 7:18949-55. [PMID: 26510687 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04420k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The solid-state structures of organic charge transfer (CT) salts are critical in determining their mode of charge transport, and hence their unusual electrical properties, which range from semiconducting through metallic to superconducting. In contrast, using both theory and experiment, we show here that the conductance of metal |single molecule| metal junctions involving aromatic donor moieties (dialkylterthiophene, dialkylbenzene) increase by over an order of magnitude upon formation of charge transfer (CT) complexes with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). This enhancement occurs because CT complex formation creates a new resonance in the transmission function, close to the metal contact Fermi energy, that is a signal of room-temperature quantum interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vezzoli
- Department of Chemistry, Donnan and Robert Robinson Laboratories, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK.
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