Abstract
The self-assembly and electron transfer properties of adsorbed organic molecules are of interest for the construction of miniaturized molecular circuitries. We have investigated with scanning probe microscopy the self-organization of two structurally related molecular wires embedded within a supportive alkanethiol matrix. Our results evidence heterogeneous adsorption patterns of the molecular wires on gold with either incommensurate unit cells driven into assembly by lateral interactions or a dynamic, commensurate distribution on gold, along with formation of distinct 2D phases. We also observed diffusion-based conductance switching for one of the molecular wires, due to its propensity toward weaker lateral interactions and Au-S adatom formation. We have further demonstrated through the use of scanning tunneling spectroscopy differential current-voltage response for each molecular wire, despite their close structural similarity. Such molecular wires embedded in alkanethiol matrix and exhibiting conductance-switching phenomena have the potential to be used for the functionalization of electrodes in bioelectronic devices.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 953-958 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Langmuir |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 Jan 2015 |
Keywords
- n/a OA procedure