Scanning tunnelling microscope-based break-junction (STM-BJ) measurements are routinely employed to provide insight into electron transport processes involving individual molecules. Work in this field was initially driven by the idea that computer components would eventually scale to molecular dimensions in accordance with Moore’s Law. However, research motivations and applications have since diversified, with sustained interest in improving our fundamental understanding of molecular electronic structure-property relationships, chemical reactivity at the nanoscale, or even biochemical sensing. Conductance measurements with the STM-BJ method are typically performed on junctions constructed from molecules that have been functionalized with chemical anchoring groups (e.g., thioether/-SMe) that bind via dative interactions with nanoscale metal electrodes. Here, gold is usually the electrode of choice due to its ability to form robust metal-metal point contacts and resistance to oxidation under ambient conditions. While other metal electrode materials have been utilized for STM-BJ studies, their reactivity with air makes them challenging to work with (often requiring electrochemical controls or high-vacuum environments). We have developed a new, first of its kind, glovebox STM-BJ system that operates under inert atmosphere, and demonstrate its capability to routinely perform conductance measurements in non-polar solvents using air-sensitive Cu, Ag, and Ni electrodes (and air-sensitive molecules) under ambient pressure. Studies using such instrumentation will pave the way for advancements in the fundamental understanding of electron transport through single molecular junctions, and are of particular relevance to the potential future development of CMOS-compatible (non-Au based) hybrid technologies involving molecule-based components.

Air-sensitive single molecular conductance measurements

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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