Studying charge transport across nanometer scale metal–molecule–metal junctions is an important step toward the realization of molecular-based electronics. However，the measurement of a single molecule electron properties is a very challenging work. We have designed and synthesized various organic small organic semiconductors, including oligo(phenylene inylene)s (OPVs), diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivatives, with different side and anchoring groups. The single molecule conductance of these organic semiconductors have been investigated by using STM break junction and mechanically controllable break junction techniques. Aided by theoretical simulation, the crucial roles of various factors, including intermolecular interaction, molecular conformation, molecule/metal interface have been investigated.<br/>Structural isomers universally exist in natural products and artificial materials. Distinguishing structural isomers at single molecule level remains challenge at present. Recently, quantum interference phenomena have been explored as a new and efficient strategy for tuning molecular conductance in single-molecule device. Quantum interference in molecular junctions describes the interference between the electron waves propagating through molecular orbital in a single-molecule junction. We have studied the single-molecule recognition of various OPV and DPP containing structural isomers in molecular junctions. Our results suggest that combination of stimuli-responsive and quantum interference can be an efficient strategy to enhance isomer recognition in single-molecule junctions. The results from these researches shall provide useful guideline for future molecular electronics.<br/>

Distinguishing structural isomers in single-molecule junctions

256th National Meeting (2018)

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