Charge transport through linear carbon atomic chains

The linear carbon allotrope carbyne has been predicted to display outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, but its preparation and characterization are hindered by synthetic challenges. Although oligoyne and [n]cumulene models of carbyne have been explored, the end-groups used to avoid decomposition have a profound effect on their electronic configuration. Here we show that transmetallation of linear carbon fragments from Au(I) species to Au(0) electrodes delivers stable Au|CC…CC|Au devices. Scanning tunnelling microscope break junction techniques were used to characterize charge-transport behaviour in these one-dimensional carbon chains (up to 16 atoms) free of end-capping groups. Shorter chains exhibited oligoyne-like behaviour, with conductance attenuation as a function of length, whereas longer chains show evidence of bond-length equalization towards a cumulenic structure, with remarkably enhanced charge transport. The direct contact between the electrode and the carbon fragment at the Au|C interfaces grant high conductance and quasi-ballistic transport to one-dimensional carbon chains, providing a pathway to advanced carbon-based nanoelectronics based on the stabilization of carbyne within the junction environment.