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Covalent Attachment of Single Molecules for AFM-based Force Spectroscopy
Published on: March 16, 2020
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Nonequilibrium Bond Forces in Single-Molecule Junctions.
Jonathan Brand1, Susanne Leitherer2, Nick R Papior3
1Institut für Physik , Technische Universität Ilmenau , D-98693 Ilmenau , Germany.
Nano Letters
|September 27, 2019
Summary
Current flow between two C60 molecules creates an attractive force, influencing chemical bond formation at the single-molecule level. This discovery links charge transport directly to forces in molecular electronics.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Understanding forces at the molecular level is crucial for molecular electronics.
- Single-molecule junctions offer a platform to study fundamental charge transport phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of electrical current on the forces between two C60 molecules.
- To explore current-induced forces at the single-molecule level.
Main Methods:
- Combined first-principles calculations with scanning probe microscopy experiments.
- Measured forces and currents across a range of C60-C60 distances.
Main Results:
- Observed a current-induced attraction between C60 molecules near the bond formation distance.
- Demonstrated that current alters molecular orbital populations, affecting bond character and strength.
Conclusions:
- Reported the first evidence of current-induced bond forces at the single-molecule scale.
- Established a direct link between charge transport and interatomic forces.
- Findings are relevant for molecular electronics and current-mediated chemical reactions.
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