Experimental investigation of quantum interference in charge transport through molecular architectures

Abstract

The experimental investigation of charge transport through an individual molecular junction provides a unique opportunity to reveal its distinctive quantum interference (QI), which is of fundamental importance for the development of novel molecular devices such as high on/off ratio switches and thermoelectric applications. In this review, we discuss the fundamentals of QI and the corresponding single-molecule experimental techniques. We start from the investigation of the QI of cross-conjugated systems to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with different connectivities, then discuss σ-interference molecules and even supramolecular systems. Further, we review the latest applications of QI in single-molecule switches and summarize the recent developments of single-molecule electrochemical transistors reported by three different research groups by taking advantage of the energy level dependence of QI.