Stochastic Binding Dynamics of a Photoswitchable Single Supramolecular Complex

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Electronics

Background:

• Understanding supramolecular binding dynamics is crucial for developing advanced molecular devices.
• Current methods often lack the precision to monitor single-molecule interactions in real-time.
• Host-guest interactions are fundamental in supramolecular chemistry and molecular recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a real-time electrical method for monitoring single supramolecule binding dynamics.
• To investigate the host-guest interaction between cyclodextrin and an azo compound at the single-molecule level.
• To explore the potential of supramolecular systems in constructing functional molecular devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions.
• Real-time electrical conductance measurements to distinguish binding states.
• Theoretical calculations to support experimental observations of molecular motion.

Main Results:

• Successfully monitored stochastic binding dynamics of single supramolecules in real-time.
• Distinguished different binding states using conductance signals from graphene junctions.
• Observed light-induced reversible switching of molecular motion (reciprocating and restrained) in azo compounds.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrical method provides a facile and effective strategy to probe supramolecular dynamics.
• Individual supramolecules can be integrated into nanocircuits for functional molecular devices.
• This work paves the way for creating molecular switches, sensors, and logic devices.