Structure−Property Relationships in Redox-Gated Single Molecule Junctions − A Comparison of Pyrrolo-Tetrathiafulvalene and Viologen Redox Groups

We demonstrate that the electrical “switching” behavior of single molecules connected between two electrode contacts can be controlled by altering their structure and electrochemical characteristics. The electrical properties of gold|molecule|gold single molecule junctions incorporating HS(CH2)6−X−(...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Chemical Society 2008-09, Vol.130 (37), p.12204-12205
Main Authors: Leary, Edmund, Higgins, Simon J, van Zalinge, Harm, Haiss, Wolfgang, Nichols, Richard J, Nygaard, Sune, Jeppesen, Jan Oskar, Ulstrup, Jens
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We demonstrate that the electrical “switching” behavior of single molecules connected between two electrode contacts can be controlled by altering their structure and electrochemical characteristics. The electrical properties of gold|molecule|gold single molecule junctions incorporating HS(CH2)6−X−(CH2)6SH, where X = viologen (4,4′-bipyridinium) or pyrrolotetrathiafulvalene, are determined using a scanning tunneling microscopy based technique. The switching behavior, controlled through a tuneable electrochemical gate, changes from an on−off response (viologen) to an off−on−off response (pyrrolotetrathiafulvalene) on changing the central redox group. In contrast, the electrical properties of junctions incorporating redox-inactive HS(CH2)6−1,4-C6H4−(CH2)6SH do not alter significantly as a function of applied potential.
ISSN:0002-7863
1520-5126
DOI:10.1021/ja8014605