Controlling formation of single-molecule junctions by electrochemical reduction of diazonium terminal groups

Thomas Hines, Ismael Díez-Pérez, Hisao Nakamura, Tomomi Shimazaki, Yoshihiro Asai, Nongjian Tao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report controlling the formation of single-molecule junctions by means of electrochemically reducing two axialdiazonium terminal groups on a molecule, thereby producing direct Au-C covalent bonds in situ between the molecule and gold electrodes. We report a yield enhancement in molecular junction formation as the electrochemical potential of both junction electrodes approach the reduction potential of the diazonium terminal groups. Step length analysis shows that the molecular junction is significantly more stable, and can be pulled over a longer distance than a comparable junction created with amine anchoring bonds. The stability of the junction is explained by the calculated lower binding energy associated with the direct Au-C bond compared with the Au-N bond.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3319-3322
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume135
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 6 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Controlling formation of single-molecule junctions by electrochemical reduction of diazonium terminal groups'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this