Metal Complex Molecular Junctions as Thermoelectric Devices

Abstract

Single-molecule junctions and self-assembled monolayer junctions are attractive architectures for thermoelectric devices. However, given the poor thermoelectric performance of organic molecules investigated so far, molecules characterized by high conductance and Seebeck coefficient values are desired to be explored. Metal complexes are promising possible active components of high-performance thermoelectric devices given that metal-ligand combinations and functions can be made to vary to modulate the transmission functions, thus strongly influencing conductance and Seebeck coefficient. In this concept article are described recent studies wherein thermoelectric measurements were conducted on metal complex junctions. Furthermore, the potential for the use of the junctions in thermoelectric devices is discussed.

Keywords: Seebeck coefficient; break junction; metal complex; molecular junction; thermoelectric materials.