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Reversible on-surface wiring of resistive circuits
Michael S Inkpen1,2, Yann R Leroux2, Philippe Hapiot2
1Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics , Columbia University , New York , NY 10027 , USA . Email: msi2109@columbia.edu ;
Chemical Science
|June 30, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for building and breaking single-molecule circuits directly on surfaces. This technique enables the creation of complex molecular electronics in situ, matching the performance of traditionally synthesized components.
Area of Science:
- Single-molecule electronics
- Surface chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Most single-molecule electronic devices are assembled from pre-synthesized components.
- There is a growing interest in developing methods for *in situ* device fabrication using chemical reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a methodology for *in situ* assembly and disassembly of single-molecule circuits.
- To investigate reversible chemical reactions on surface-bound molecules for circuit construction.
- To compare the electronic properties of *in situ* fabricated circuits with those made *ex situ*.
Main Methods:
- Utilized reversible chemical reactions on alkanethiolate monolayers to form and cleave covalent bonds.
- Employed the scanning tunneling microscopy-based break junction (STM-BJ) technique to measure molecular conductance.
- Investigated reaction conditions for surface-bound reagents and characterized molecular wires.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the reversible formation and breaking of covalent bonds between surface-bound alkanes.
- Showcased that *in situ* fabricated molecular wires exhibit electronic characteristics comparable to *ex situ* synthesized ones.
- Validated the STM-BJ technique for probing surface reaction yields at both local and pseudo-global scales.
Conclusions:
- Established a critical methodology for assembling and disassembling surface-bound single-molecule circuits *in situ*.
- Highlighted a viable route towards constructing more complex and functional surface-based molecular circuitry.
- Advanced a technique for studying surface reactions beyond the limitations of traditional *ex situ* synthesis.
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