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Published on: July 24, 2015
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Single-molecule junctions with epitaxial graphene nanoelectrodes.
Konrad Ullmann1, Pedro B Coto2, Susanne Leitherer2
1†Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Physik und Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Molekulare Materialien, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Staudtstr. 7/A3, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Nano Letters
|April 30, 2015
Summary
We developed ultraflat single-molecule junctions using epitaxial graphene nanoelectrodes and fullerene-based molecular wires. Electrical measurements revealed that the junction
Area of Science:
- Nanoscience and nanotechnology
- Molecular electronics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Advancing single-molecule electronics requires stable, ultraflat junctions with transparent electrodes.
- Graphene nanoelectrodes offer a promising platform for such applications.
- Fullerene anchor groups facilitate robust molecular connections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a fabrication scheme for ultraflat single-molecule junctions using epitaxial graphene nanoelectrodes.
- To investigate the electrical characteristics of single-molecule junctions with graphene electrodes.
- To explore the electrode material's influence on differential conductance spectra.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of single-molecule junctions using epitaxial graphene nanoelectrodes.
- Identification and utilization of a molecular wire with fullerene anchor groups.
- Electrical measurements and analysis of differential conductance spectra.
Main Results:
- Stable electrical characteristics were recorded for single-molecule junctions with graphene electrodes.
- Single-molecule junctions with graphene and gold electrodes showed striking agreement in electrical measurements.
- Differential conductance spectra were found to be largely insensitive to the electrode material, correlating with internal molecular degrees of freedom.
Conclusions:
- Epitaxial graphene nanoelectrodes provide a viable platform for ultraflat single-molecule junctions.
- The choice of electrode material has minimal impact on the differential conductance spectra of these junctions.
- This system serves as a model for further investigations into single-molecule contacts.
