Single-Molecule Transport Measurements between Nanoelectrodes
Nanoelectrode devices for single-molecule transport measurements have been fabricated using different techniques. They notably differ in the way the nanogap or the molecular junction is created.
Different types of nanoelectrodes for single-molecule transport measurements:
a) electromigration b) angle evaporation c) break junction d) nanoparticle dimers
a) electromigration b) angle evaporation c) break junction d) nanoparticle dimers
Using the mechanically controlled break junction technique (MCBJ) the charge transport of a single ruthenium (II) atom clamped by two terpyridine hinges was investigated. The current-voltage (I-V)-characteristics through a single [Ru(tpy)2](PF6)2 molecule were acquired under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions at various temperatures. DFT-simulations show that the Cardan-joint structural element of the molecule controls the magnitude of the current.
Figure showing the [RuII(tpy)2]2+ molecule acting as an electronic Cardan-joint
