Molecular electronic junction transport: Some pathways and some ideas

Gemma C. Solomon, Carmen Herrmann, Mark A. Ratner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

When a single molecule, or a collection of molecules, is placed between two electrodes and voltage is applied, one has a molecular transport junction. We discuss such junctions, their properties, their description, and some of their applications. The discussion is qualitative rather than quantitative, and focuses on mechanism, structure/function relations, regimes and mechanisms of transport, some molecular regularities, and some substantial challenges facing the field. Because there are many regimes and mechanisms in transport junctions, we will discuss time scales, geometries, and inelastic scattering methods for trying to determine the properties of molecules within these junctions. Finally, we discuss some device applications, some outstanding problems, and some future directions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationUnimolecular and Supramolecular Electronics II
Subtitle of host publicationChemistry and Physics Meet at Metal-Molecule Interfaces
EditorsRobert M. Metzger
Pages1-38
Number of pages38
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameTopics in Current Chemistry
Volume313
ISSN (Print)0340-1022

Funding

We are grateful to Robert Metzger for the opportunity to contribute to this volume, and to the very large number of wonderful colleagues and coworkers who contributed to our understanding in this general area, starting with Dr. Ari Aviram and extending to our current research groups. We are also grateful to the MRSEC program of the NSF for support of this research. C.H. would like to thank the Landesexzellenzinitiative Hamburg (Nanospintronics) for funding. G.C.S. acknowledges funding from The Danish Council for Independent Research/Natural Sciences.

Keywords

  • Conduction
  • Electron transfer
  • Electron transport
  • Molecular electronics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

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