Electron Transport through Single p-Conjugated Molecules Bridging between Metal Electrodes

Understanding electron transport through a single molecule bridging between metal electrodes is a central issue in the field of molecular electronics. This review covers the fabrication and electron-transport properties of single p-conjugated molecule junctions, which include benzene, fullerene, and p-stacked molecules. The metal/molecule interface plays a decisive role in determining the stability and conductivity of single-molecule junctions. The effect of the metalmolecule contact on the conductance of the single p-conjugated molecule junction is reviewed. The characterization of the single benzene molecule junction is also discussed using inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy and shot noise. Finally, electron transport through the p-stacked system using p-stacked aromatic molecules enclosed within self-assembled coordination cages is reviewed. The electron transport in the p-stacked systems is found to be efficient at the single-molecule level, thus providing insight into the design of conductive materials.