How does electron transport happen in photosynthesis? How might static electricity travel from a doorknob to your fingertip? Although the free-electron model explains charge-transport through metals, no such simple model exists for understanding charge-transport through organic materials. So, how might we answer these questions? Ideally, we would pass electricity through a range of different molecules and see what happens to each of them. Half of this 'molecular junction' is already simple to make. That is, we have already achieved one-molecule-high samples (self-assembled monolayers of organic molecules) through which we can pass our current. The trouble lies in forming the other half of the junction �in bringing electricity to our sample without damaging this thin, delicate layer of molecules. All successful attempts involve putting a protective, nonmetal layer between the sample and another metal electrode. The metal electrode in this study is a liquid metal alloy of Gallium and Indium. Because Gallium spontaneously oxidizes in air, this electrode has the distinct advantage of forming its own protective layer of Gallium Oxide. This study changes the chemistry of Ga2O3 interface by collecting data in an inert atmosphere. We show that the presence of an oxide layer (and any organic molecules or water adsorbed to it under ambient conditions) produces a systematic error �a shift, rather than a broadening of J. We collect vast data sets under Ar and ambient conditions to statistically demonstrate the EGaIn electrode's reliability without the use of a clean room or inert atmosphere.

Atmospheric effects on EGaIn electrodes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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