Themed collection Molecular scale electronics

22 items
Editorial

Themed collection on molecular scale electronics

Tim Su, Michael Inkpen and Haixing Li introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry C themed collection Molecular Scale Electronics.

Graphical abstract: Themed collection on molecular scale electronics
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Review Article

Single-molecule non-volatile memories: an overview and future perspectives

A single-molecule non-volatile memory is a crucial component of future nanoscale information storage. This article provides an overview of the design, mechanism and prospects of single-molecule non-volatile memories.

Graphical abstract: Single-molecule non-volatile memories: an overview and future perspectives
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Communication

The regulation effect of coordination number on the conductance of single-molecule junctions

The molecules with multiple anchoring sites offer opportunities for conductance regulation of single-molecule junctions via a switch between different coordination numbers.

Graphical abstract: The regulation effect of coordination number on the conductance of single-molecule junctions
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Spin polarized current in chiral organic radical monolayers

An enantiopure organic radical monolayer on gold exhibits efficient spin selectivity properties in electron transport. This result makes thia[4]azahelicenes promising candidates for the development of chiral spintronic molecular-based devices.

Graphical abstract: Spin polarized current in chiral organic radical monolayers
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Triplet formation inhibits amplified spontaneous emission in perylene-based polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Three similar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon display outstanding emission properties, but only one displays amplified stimulated emission. The lack of available triplet states hinders the triplet formation allowing the amplified stimulated emission.

Graphical abstract: Triplet formation inhibits amplified spontaneous emission in perylene-based polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Antiaromatic non-alternant heterocyclic compounds as molecular wires

We have theoretically studied the electron-transport properties of a family of molecular junctions containing the non-alternant antiaromatic pentalene moiety stabilised with various 5-membered heterocycles.

Graphical abstract: Antiaromatic non-alternant heterocyclic compounds as molecular wires
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Reliable I/V characteristics and long lifetime of porphyrin-based single-molecule junctions

In this work diamino-porphyrin derivatives, in their free base or cobalt complex forms, have been used to construct SMJs.

Graphical abstract: Reliable I/V characteristics and long lifetime of porphyrin-based single-molecule junctions
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

Oxazine: an anchoring group serving as functional kernels to construct single-molecule switches

High-performance single-molecule switches constructed with carbon electrodes can be realized via de/rehydrogenation of the oxazine anchoring groups, not depending on specific molecular backbones.

Graphical abstract: Oxazine: an anchoring group serving as functional kernels to construct single-molecule switches
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

Interaction strength in molecular junctions consisting of π-stacked antiaromatic molecules

The interaction force was measured as the adhesive force acting between norcorrole molecules anchored to the probe surface and the sample surface. This study reveals substantial interactions in π-stacked antiaromatics at the single-molecule scale.

Graphical abstract: Interaction strength in molecular junctions consisting of π-stacked antiaromatic molecules
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

Theoretical investigation of width effects in the electronic and transport properties of carbon nanoribbons with 5-8-5 carbon rings: a first-principles study

An increase in width enhances stability and acts like uniaxial tensile strain. Sub-bandgap regions trigger optoelectronic device applications and negative differential resistance. Nanodevice behavior depends on the width.

Graphical abstract: Theoretical investigation of width effects in the electronic and transport properties of carbon nanoribbons with 5-8-5 carbon rings: a first-principles study
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

High-performance molecular spin filters based on a square-planar four-coordinate Fe complex and covalent pyrazine anchoring groups

We propose a promising method to generate highly spin-polarized currents by connecting a magnetic molecule to carbon electrodes with appropriate anchors, whose HOMOs and LUMOs have distinct features of spatial distribution for the two spin types.

Graphical abstract: High-performance molecular spin filters based on a square-planar four-coordinate Fe complex and covalent pyrazine anchoring groups
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

Robust large area molecular junctions based on transparent and flexible electrodes

Towards transparent and flexible large area molecular electronic devices.

Graphical abstract: Robust large area molecular junctions based on transparent and flexible electrodes
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Charge transfer properties of novel linear carbon chain-based dyes

Dyes with unique donor and acceptor groups outperformed phenothiazine (PTZ)-containing counterparts. 2-amine pyrrole donor induced faster charge transfer (qCT) than PTZ. qCT values reveal that the pyridinium acceptor group enhances charge separation.

Graphical abstract: Charge transfer properties of novel linear carbon chain-based dyes
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

Elucidating the effects of the sidechain substitution direction on the optoelectronic properties of isomeric diketopyrrolopyrrole-based conjugated polymers for near-infrared organic phototransistors

Compared to P3BT-out, P3BT-in with sidechains in the inner way has better molecular planarity, narrower bandgap, and stronger light absorption ability, resulting in an increased electron mobility and higher near-infrared photoresponsivity.

Graphical abstract: Elucidating the effects of the sidechain substitution direction on the optoelectronic properties of isomeric diketopyrrolopyrrole-based conjugated polymers for near-infrared organic phototransistors
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Understanding trends in conductivity in four isostructural multifunctional crystals of Se substituted bis-dithiazolyl radicals

To understand the trends in conductivity in bisdithiazolyl-type radical-based molecular materials, one needs to master a holistic view of the parameters governing the charge transport process (namely, λ, HDA, topology of conduction paths, and ρc).

Graphical abstract: Understanding trends in conductivity in four isostructural multifunctional crystals of Se substituted bis-dithiazolyl radicals
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

Conductive ionogel for the study of charge transport through SAM-based junctions in aqueous solution

Ionogel as a novel top electrode is suitable for junction testing in aqueous solution for self-assembled monolayers and protein junctions.

Graphical abstract: Conductive ionogel for the study of charge transport through SAM-based junctions in aqueous solution
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Photoinduced energy and electron transfer at graphene quantum dot/azobenzene interfaces

The photophysical properties of azobenzene–graphene quantum dot interfaces show enhanced photoinduced hole and energy transfer rates for the trans isomer, making it the acvite specie compared to the cis isomer.

Graphical abstract: Photoinduced energy and electron transfer at graphene quantum dot/azobenzene interfaces
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Extended π-conjugation: a key to magnetic anisotropy preservation in highly reactive porphyrins

The findings herein reported highlight the role played by planarization in quenching the reactivity and preserving the magnetic anisotropy. The effect is associated with the weakening of the ligand field, which accompanies the π-conjugation increase.

Graphical abstract: Extended π-conjugation: a key to magnetic anisotropy preservation in highly reactive porphyrins
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

A generalized neural network approach for separation of molecular breaking traces

The presented generalized neural network is a reliable and efficient tool for the separation of tunneling-only traces from break-junction data sets.

Graphical abstract: A generalized neural network approach for separation of molecular breaking traces
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

Exploring the impact of select anchor groups for norbornadiene/quadricyclane single-molecule switches

To achieve the ultimate limit of device miniaturization, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the structure–property relationship in functional molecular systems used in single-molecule electronics.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the impact of select anchor groups for norbornadiene/quadricyclane single-molecule switches
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Open Access Paper

High Seebeck coefficient from isolated oligo-phenyl arrays on single layered graphene via stepwise assembly

Organic thin films composed of highly ordered molecular arrays hold tremendous potential for thermoelectric energy harvesting.

Graphical abstract: High Seebeck coefficient from isolated oligo-phenyl arrays on single layered graphene via stepwise assembly
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
Paper

A conceptual framework for designing and analyzing complex molecular circuits

A computational framework to design molecular breadboards is presented. We demonstrate that the conductance of constituent circuits in a bis-terpyridine breadboard can be varied by changing the position of electrode anchoring nitrogen atoms.

Graphical abstract: A conceptual framework for designing and analyzing complex molecular circuits
From the themed collection: Molecular scale electronics
22 items

About this collection

This Journal of Materials Chemistry C collection is guest edited by Timothy A. Su (University of California, Riverside), Michael S. Inkpen (University of Southern California), and Haixing Li (City University of Hong Kong).


The concept of using molecules as electronic components has received significant attention over the past 3 decades, initially motivated by the decreasing size of semiconductor-based circuit elements in line with Moore’s Law. It is now recognized that molecular devices can demonstrate properties unique from those observed in conventional electronics, resulting from quantum interference effects, changes in molecular redox state and/or the immediate nanoscale environment (solvent, temperature, light, magnetic field). With robust and reproducible measurement techniques now established, and great gains made in reconciling experimental and theoretical results, attention has turned to the discovery of useful wires, switches, diodes, and resistors – and how best to utilize them. This Journal of Materials Chemistry C collection captures the cutting-edge innovations in synthesis, measurement, data science, and theory that are driving this field forward.

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