Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haojie Liu, Hao Zhang, Yongjie Zhao, Junyang Liu, Wenjing Hong
Summary: In the past few decades, prototypes of single-molecule devices have emerged, leading to rapid development in the field of single-molecule electronics. Resolving the interface properties of single-molecule devices is crucial for their various practical applications. This review highlights the significance and urgency of interface resolving at single-molecule junctions (SMJs), summarizes the main progress in the construction, characterization, and modulation of SMJs, and discusses novel functionalization and critical challenges in fabricating reliable molecular devices. It provides a comprehensive understanding of interface resolving and offers novel insights into the design and fabrication of multifunctional molecular devices.
TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ashima Bajaj, Rishu Khurana, Md Ehesan Ali
Summary: A stimuli-based spin filter using a photo-responsive endoperoxide (EPO) based single molecule device has been developed, with the diradical intermediate of EPO facilitating high spin filtering efficiency. The transmission characteristics of various photoproducts along the photochemical reaction pathway of EPO are investigated, demonstrating the key role of quantum interference effects in the modulation of conductance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrea Gemma, Fatemeh Tabatabaei, Ute Drechsler, Anel Zulji, Herve Dekkiche, Nico Mosso, Thomas Niehaus, Martin R. Bryce, Samy Merabia, Bernd Gotsmann
Summary: By combining the break junction technique with a suspended heat-flux sensor, the researchers measured the total thermal and electrical conductance of a single molecule, at room temperature, along with its Seebeck coefficient. The result is in agreement with predictions and opens new opportunities for thermoelectric applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jin-Liang Lin, Yamin Zhang, Hao-Li Zhang
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in molecular electronics and tuning charge transport in single-molecule devices using electrostatic fields has led to various breakthroughs. Researchers have utilized stimulus response methods to regulate charge transport and the electrostatic field has shown unique abilities in this aspect. This field holds promise for further development and potential applications in molecular electronics.
ACTA PHYSICO-CHIMICA SINICA
(2021)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hongliang Chen, Chuancheng Jia, Xin Zhu, Chen Yang, Xuefeng Guo, J. Fraser Stoddart
Summary: Developing new materials is a long-standing goal in various fields, and understanding single-molecule reactions can deepen our understanding of chemical reactions and provide new frameworks in materials science. This review focuses on state-of-the-art chemical reactions in single-molecule junctions and highlights the advantages of real-time testbeds for studying reaction dynamics, intermediates, transition states, and solvent effects. The behavior of single-molecule reactions is compared with reactions in ensemble states, and the potential of leveraging single-molecule catalysis for large-scale materials production is explored.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kanji Homma, Satoshi Kaneko, Kazuhito Tsukagoshi, Tomoaki Nishino
Summary: Charge transfer at metal-molecule interfaces is crucial in nanomaterials, especially for electronic applications, but its understanding at the single-molecule level is still limited. In this study, a highly conductive adsorption site was discovered in a single-molecule junction (SMJ) of naphthalenedithiol using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and current-voltage measurements. The vibrational energy and conductance analysis revealed that the high conductivity is attributed to the adsorption site with significant charge transfer. This research demonstrates that SERS combined with transport measurements can provide insights into both the structures of SMJs and charge transfer at metal-molecule interfaces.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacqueline A. Labra-Munoz, Arie de Reuver, Friso Koeleman, Martina Huber, Herre S. J. van der Zant
Summary: This study reports the fabrication process of single-electron devices based on horse-spleen ferritin particles, and demonstrates the significance of single-electron charge transport in ferritin through the excellent agreement between experimental data and the Coulomb blockade theory, which provides potential for further characterization and applications in electronic and medical fields.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Li, Songjun Hou, Yang-Rong Yao, Chengyang Zhang, Qingqing Wu, Hai-Chuan Wang, Hewei Zhang, Xinyuan Liu, Chun Tang, Mengxi Wei, Wei Xu, Yaping Wang, Jueting Zheng, Zhichao Pan, Lixing Kang, Junyang Liu, Jia Shi, Yang Yang, Colin J. Lambert, Su-Yuan Xie, Wenjing Hong
Summary: This study demonstrates low-power logic-in-memory operations based on single electric dipole flipping in a two-terminal single-metallofullerene device at room temperature, which shows promising applications in memory computing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Soran Jahangiri, Juan Miguel Arrazola, Alain Delgado
Summary: Accurate description of electron transport at a molecular level requires consideration of quantum effects, which play a crucial role in determining the electron transport properties of single molecules. A quantum algorithm has been introduced to efficiently calculate electronic current through single-molecule junctions in the weak-coupling regime, paving the way for building practical molecular electronic devices. The algorithm simulates vibronic transitions between different charge states of a molecule to compute electron-transfer rates and electronic current.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ozlem Sengul, Angelo Valli, Robert Stadler
Summary: This study utilized non-equilibrium Green's function calculations within the framework of density functional theory to assess the structure-function relationship of pyrene molecular junctions with distinct QI properties. The chemical nature of anchor groups and electrodes controls the observability of destructive QI, while graphene electrodes introduce features in the low-bias regime that can be misinterpreted as QI effects due to their topological properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongliang Chen, Vitor Brasiliense, Jingshan Mo, Long Zhang, Yang Jiao, Zhu Chen, Leighton O. Jones, Gen He, Qing-Hui Guo, Xiao-Yang Chen, Bo Song, George C. Schatz, J. Fraser Stoddart
Summary: This study introduces a new electrostatic anchoring strategy that forms robust gold-molecule-gold structures and demonstrates electron injection-induced redox switching in single-molecule junctions. These mechanisms could lay the foundation for a new class of redox-activated single-molecule switches.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takanori Harashima, Shintaro Fujii, Yuki Jono, Tsuyoshi Terakawa, Noriyuki Kurita, Satoshi Kaneko, Manabu Kiguchi, Tomoaki Nishino
Summary: The electrical properties of DNA in the field of molecular electronics have been extensively studied, with a focus on the higher-order structures and design changes associated with single-molecule electronic devices. Researchers have developed a DNA zipper configuration to form a single-molecule junction, which exhibits high conductivity and an attractive self-restoring capability. This strategy provides a basis for novel designs of single-molecule junctions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chen Yang, Caiyao Yang, Yilin Guo, Jianfei Feng, Xuefeng Guo
Summary: The ability to measure the behavior of a single molecule during a reaction can uncover dynamic and static disordered states that may not be represented in ensemble averages. This article introduces a method to build devices with graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions integrated into an electrical circuit. These devices are stable, tolerant to mechanical changes and solution environments, and enable sensitive detection of variations in physical and chemical properties of detected molecules. The on-chip setup of single-molecule junctions also allows for logic functions and analysis of reaction intermediates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Werner M. Schosser, Chunwei Hsu, Patrick Zwick, Katawoura Beltako, Diana Dulic, Marcel Mayor, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Fabian Pauly
Summary: The study investigates quantum interference phenomena in molecular electronics at ambient conditions by connecting two porphyrins and mechanically controlling electric transport. The combination of experimental and theoretical methods reveals variations in electrical conductivity during molecular stretching and confirms the mechanosensitive response of molecular junctions. The study also observes uncommon frequency responses in periodic electrode modulation experiments, further confirming predicted transmission dips caused by rearrangement of molecular orbitals.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jonathan J. J. Wang, Jie Gong, Alan J. H. McGaughey, Dvira Segal
Summary: Using classical molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated phononic heat transport in metal-molecule-metal junctions and compared two methods for calculating thermal conductance. We also explored the potential application of molecular structures as thermal diodes, finding the need for molecules with significant nonharmonic effects for developing nonlinear thermal devices.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Makars Siskins, Ekaterina Sokolovskaya, Martin Lee, Samuel Manas-Valero, Dejan Davidovikj, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Peter G. Steeneken
Summary: Coupled nanomechanical resonators made of two-dimensional materials show promise for information processing, but controlling the coupling is a challenge. This study demonstrates strong coupling of motion between suspended membranes of magnetic 2D material FePS3 and introduces a tunable electromechanical mechanism for controlling both frequency and coupling strength. The potential of this electrical coupling in transferring mechanical energy over a distance at low electrical power for novel data readout and information processing technologies is highlighted.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Lee, Martin P. Robin, Ruben H. Guis, Ulderico Filippozzi, Dong Hoon Shin, Thierry C. van Thiel, Stijn P. Paardekooper, Johannes R. Renshof, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Andrea D. Caviglia, Gerard J. Verbiest, Peter G. Steeneken
Summary: This work demonstrates the use of self-sealing membranes to seal the reference cavity beneath, improving the gas permeation time constant. The adhesion increase over SiO2 is mediated by oxygen bonds that are formed at the SiO2/complex oxide interface during the self-sealing anneal.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Werner M. Schosser, Chunwei Hsu, Patrick Zwick, Katawoura Beltako, Diana Dulic, Marcel Mayor, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Fabian Pauly
Summary: The study investigates quantum interference phenomena in molecular electronics at ambient conditions by connecting two porphyrins and mechanically controlling electric transport. The combination of experimental and theoretical methods reveals variations in electrical conductivity during molecular stretching and confirms the mechanosensitive response of molecular junctions. The study also observes uncommon frequency responses in periodic electrode modulation experiments, further confirming predicted transmission dips caused by rearrangement of molecular orbitals.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Frederik H. van Veen, Luca Ornago, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Maria El Abbassi
Summary: This study investigates the variation in conductance values of alkanes using the mechanically controlled break junction technique. By analyzing the time evolution and distance dependence of the measured traces, the single-molecule conductance values for fully stretched molecular configurations are determined. The results provide crucial information for determining the molecular junction configuration.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
Pablo Ruiz de D. Olano, James Fraser, Rocco S. Gaudenzi, Alexander Blum
STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
Stefano Furlan, Rocco Gaudenzi
Summary: This paper presents a framework for analogy-making in modern physics, emphasizing the heuristic process and its historical dimension. It uses this framework to analyze the development of vacuum concepts by two physicists in the 20th century.
STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lucia Martin-Perez, Samara Medina Rivero, Manuel Vazquez Sulleiro, Alicia Naranjo, I. Jennifer Gomez, Maria Luisa Ruiz-Gonzalez, Andres Castellanos-Gomez, Mar Garcia-Hernandez, Emilio M. Perez, Enrique Burzuri
Summary: The recent development of magnetic layered van der Waals (vdW) materials has provided a platform to study exotic magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) limit. However, conventional magnetometry techniques are not suitable for directly probing the magnetic properties of 2D flakes, especially antiferromagnetic ones. In this study, an alternative approach using liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) method was employed to obtain few-layer FePS3 flakes, which were then measured using a conventional SQUID magnetometer. The results showed direct magnetic evidence of the antiferromagnetic transition in the few-layer flakes, with a reduction in Neel temperature as the flake thickness decreased.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Rocco Gaudenzi
Summary: This article provides a sketch of Yoichiro Nambu's exploration process towards the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking, with a focus on the pivotal role played by his notion of apparent vacuum. The concept helps establish the original analogical correspondence between the vacuum of quantum field theory and solid matter, which evolves and transforms in its use and purpose, leading Nambu to the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking. From this historical episode, the authors draw a methodological lesson and emphasize the broad cultural influences on conceptual development.
ANNALEN DER PHYSIK
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Katsuhiko Nishiguchi, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Akira Fujiwara, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Gary A. Steele
Summary: We have demonstrated charge detection with single-electron resolution at high readout frequency using a silicon field-effect transistor integrated with double resonant circuits. The transistor, with a channel width of 10 nm, can detect a single electron at room temperature. The transistor is connected to resonant circuits composed of coupled inductors and capacitors, providing two resonance frequencies. By driving the transistor with a carrier signal at the lower resonance frequency, a small signal applied to the transistor's gate modulates the resonance condition, resulting in a reflected signal appearing near the higher resonance frequency. This operation allows for charge detection with a single-electron resolution of 3 x 10(-3) e/Hz(0.5) and a readout frequency of 200 MHz at room temperature.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amit S. Pawbake, Ruchita T. Khare, Joshua O. Island, Eduardo Flores, Jose R. Ares, Carlos Sanchez, Isabel J. Ferrer, Mahendra Pawar, Otakar Frank, Mahendra A. More, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Andres Castellanos-Gomez, Dattatray J. Late
Summary: The field emission properties of TiS3 nanosheets and nanoribbons synthesized from bulk titanium were investigated. The nanosheets exhibited enhanced field emission behavior with a low turn-on field and delivered a large emission current density at a relatively low applied electric field. The superior field emission performance of TiS3 nanosheets over nanoribbons makes them a propitious field emitter for vacuum nanoelectronics devices.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Serhii Volosheniuk, Damian Bouwmeester, Chunwei Hsu, H. S. J. van der Zant, Pascal Gehring
Summary: Thermocurrent flowing through a single-molecule device provides valuable information about its quantum properties, electronic and phononic excitation spectra, and entropy. Experimentally measuring the thermoelectric heat-to-charge conversion efficiency can help select suitable molecules for highly efficient energy conversion devices predicted by theoretical studies. A superconductor-normal metal-superconductor Josephson junction thermometer is incorporated into the single-molecule device to accurately determine the temperature bias. This device architecture enables precise thermoelectric experiments on individual molecules at millikelvin temperatures.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Chunwei Hsu, Michael Rohde, Gabriela Borin Barin, Guido Gandus, Daniele Passerone, Mathieu Luisier, Pascal Ruffieux, Roman Fasel, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Maria El Abbassi
Summary: Creating a good contact between electrodes and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) has been a long-standing challenge in the search for the next generation GNR-based nanoelectronics. This study successfully transfers armchair-edged GNRs grown on Au(111)/mica substrates to pre-patterned platinum electrodes, resulting in polymer-free field-effect transistor devices. The devices exhibit significantly lower resistance compared to previous reports, and density functional theory calculations show that platinum has strong coupling and higher transmission compared to graphene.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Mattias Matthiesen, Jorrit R. Hortensius, Samuel Manas-Valero, Itzik Kapon, Dumitru Dumcenco, Enrico Giannini, Makars Siskin, Boris A. Ivanov, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Eugenio Coronado, Alexey B. Kuzmenko, Dmytro Afanasiev, Andrea D. Caviglia
Summary: The research focuses on investigating optical methods for generating coherent magnons in antiferromagnetic insulators. It is found that orbital transitions are key targets for magnetic control in insulators with zero orbital angular momentum.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enrique Burzuri, Maria Jose Martinez-Perez, Carlos Marti-Gastaldo, Marco Evangelisti, Samuel Manas-Valero, Eugenio Coronado, Jesus I. Martinez, Jose Ramon Galan-Mascaros, Fernando Luis
Summary: In this article, a novel 2D heterometallic oxalate complex is presented as a potential candidate for quantum spin liquid (QSL) material. It exhibits strong antiferromagnetic correlations and the absence of magnetic ordering, making it an appealing QSL candidate.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriele Baglioni, Roberto Pezone, Sten Vollebregt, Katarina Cvetanovic Zobenica, Marko Spasenovic, Dejan Todorovic, Hanqing Liu, Gerard J. Verbiest, Herre S. J. van der Zant, Peter G. Steeneken
Summary: This study investigates the acoustic response of suspended graphene membranes for microphone applications using laser vibrometry. It demonstrates superior mechanical sensitivities and a lower limit of detection compared to current MEMS microphones.