Unidirectional electron transport refers to the diode-like property of directional electron conductance. In electrical circuitry, this property is referred to as a “rectifier,” which functions to allow electrons to flow from point A to point B while preventing reversibility, allowing the conversion of an alternating current (AC) into a direct current (DC) and is required for any computational process. Molecular rectifiers were first studied by Aviram & Ratner who proposed an idealized [D-σ-A] rectifier, with the electron donor (D) and acceptor (A) moieties placed between two electrodes (M1 and M2). Our group has successfully developed two molecular rectifiers based on asymmetric five-coordinate iron(III) trisphenolate and bisphenolate complexes. With an increasing demand to find alternative sources for device fabrication, we aim to establish a synthetic methodology to generate on demand" ionic metallosurfactants via counterion exchange and to develop a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film methodology with counterion metathesis. We hypothesize that cationic headgroups will accommodate a charged anionic surfactant via counterion exchange forming a new complex/counterion adduct that can be deposited as a LB film allowing for device fabrication, and enabling rectification. We have synthesized and characterized novel iron(III) and cobalt(III) [NN’O] cationic complex headgroups, coordinated with a heptadecanoate anion. The compounds are having their redox, amphiphilic properties evaluated and will be tested for rectification in the near future.

Synthesis of “on demand” surfactants via counterion exchange: Study of unidirectional electron transport

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.