Single-molecule contact switching via electro-inductive effects

Area of Science:

• Molecular electronics
• Surface chemistry
• Electrosynthesis

Background:

• Non-faradaic electro-inductive effects utilize electrode surface electric fields to polarize molecules.
• These effects are increasingly explored for modifying chemical reactivity in electrosynthesis.
• Controlling molecular interactions at interfaces is crucial for molecular electronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electro-inductive effect for controlling Lewis adduct formation and dissociation.
• To realize single-molecule contact switching using the electro-inductive effect.
• To understand the mechanism of electric field-induced bond changes in heterocycles.

Main Methods:

• In situ single-molecule conductance measurements.
• In situ Raman spectroscopy.
• Theoretical calculations (e.g., DFT).
• Control of Boron trifluoride (BF3) concentration.

Main Results:

• Outward electric fields (positive electrode) weaken the N-BF3 Lewis bond, promoting dissociation and enabling electron transfer (ON state).
• Inward electric fields (negative electrode) strengthen the N-BF3 Lewis bond, breaking the molecular circuit (OFF state).
• Reversible switching of single-molecule conductance and tunneling currents was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The electro-inductive effect provides a method for reversible single-molecule switching.
• Electric field-induced polarization of adsorbed molecules modulates Lewis acid-base interactions.
• This approach offers potential for developing molecular electronic devices.