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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds
Published on: October 18, 2018
Analytical chemistry in molecular electronics
Adam Johan Bergren1, Richard L McCreery
1National Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council Canada, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada. adam.bergren@nrc.ca
Summary
This review covers analytical methods for characterizing molecular electronic devices and molecular junctions. It details techniques for fabrication, integrity assessment, and operational analysis of these nanoscale structures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Molecular electronic devices offer potential for miniaturized electronics.
- Understanding molecular behavior at the nanoscale is crucial for device performance.
- Fabrication and characterization of molecular junctions present unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review analytical characterization methods for molecular electronic devices.
- To outline techniques for probing molecular junctions.
- To discuss methods for assessing molecular layer integrity and device operation.
Main Methods:
- Surface characterization techniques for substrate preparation.
- Spectroscopic and microscopic methods for analyzing molecular layers.
- Electrical transport measurements for device characterization.
Main Results:
- Identification of key analytical methods for each fabrication stage.
- Emphasis on techniques providing in-situ and ex-situ information.
- Discussion of methods ensuring molecular layer integrity.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive analytical characterization is vital for molecular electronic devices.
- A range of techniques is necessary to understand molecular junctions.
- Continued development of analytical tools will advance molecular electronics.
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