One-dimensional organic nanowires have emerged as idealized model systems for investigating charge transport mechanisms at molecular length scales. However, there are significant difficulties associated with the synthesis and electrical characterization of well-defined organic nanowires. By drawing inspiration from oligonucleotide synthesis, we have developed a facile strategy for the assembly of organic semiconductor building blocks in predetermined arrangements on a DNA-like backbone. Not only can the resulting constructs be purified/processed under partially aqueous conditions <i>via</i> known biochemical techniques, but also they feature many of the advantages of standard oligonucleotides, including a well-defined length, geometry, and sequence context. We have self-assembled monolayers of our nanowires on gold substrates and investigated their charge transport properties with electrochemical techniques. Our findings hold significance both for fundamentally understanding nanoscale charge transport phenomena and for the development of new types of biological and molecular electronic devices.

Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of oligonucleotide-inspired organic nanowires

249th National Meeting (2015)

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