Electrochemically controlled conductance switching in a single molecule: quinone-modified oligo(phenylene vinylene)

ACS Nano. 2008 Jun;2(6):1289-95. doi: 10.1021/nn8002218.

Abstract

Reversible conductance switching in single quinone-oligo(phenylene vinylene) (Q-OPV) molecules was demonstrated using electrochemical STM. The switching was achieved by application of electrochemical potential to the substrate supporting the molecule. The ratio of conductances between the high- and low-conductivity states is over 40. The high-conductivity state is ascribed to strong electron delocalization of the fully conjugated hydroquinone-OPV structure, whereas the low-conductivity state is characterized by disruption of electron delocalization in the quinone-OPV structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Benzoquinones / chemistry*
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Surface Properties
  • Vinyl Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Vinyl Compounds
  • quinone