NER: Engineering the Molecule-Electrode Contact with Novel Molecular Tunnel Junctions

本研究的目的是探讨纳米电极原子结构对分子隧道结稳定性和电子输运性质的影响。 该方法是使用原子层工程来控制纳米电极的微结构和测量分子隧道结的电性能。 实验将控制金属-分子-金属结中的原子结构和化学键合，并测量分子结的物理，化学和电学特性。 拟议研究的智力价值是活性纳米结构的科学和工程。 分子器件的工程设计需要理解和控制在电极-分子结处通过分子的电荷输运。 以前的研究已经提供了很多理解，但缺乏分子如何在纳米电极之间定位以及原子结构影响的基本知识。 拟议的研究提出了一种新的实验方法，将推进分子器件的知识。 拟议研究的更广泛影响包括技术影响和教育与研究的一体化。 拟议工作的技术影响包括基于分子器件的新技术的发明。 这些技术可以使活性纳米结构能够扩展计算、电子存储器、生物化学传感或能量收集，超越现代技术的限制。 拟议的研究将产生新的科学认识，通过积极的纳米结构保护我们免受威胁并提高我们的生活质量，从而造福社会。 教育方面的影响包括将本科生纳入纳米技术研究，以及制定课程，以建立一支受过教育的熟练掌握纳米技术的劳动力队伍。

The objective of this research is to investigate the influence of nanoelectrode atomic structure on the stability and electronic transport properties of molecular tunnel junctions. The approach is to use atomic layer engineering to control the nanoelectrode microstructure and to measure electrical properties of the molecular tunnel junctions. Experiments will control the atomic structure and chemical bonding in metal-molecule-metal junctions and measure physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the molecular junctions. The intellectual merits of the proposed research are the science and engineering of active nanostructures. The engineering of molecular devices requires the understanding and control of charge transport through molecules at electrode-molecule junctions. Previous studies have contributed much understanding, but a rudimentary knowledge of how molecules position between nanoelectrodes, and the influence of atomic structure is lacking. The proposed research presents a novel experimental approach that will advance the knowledge of molecular devices. The broader impacts of the proposed research include technology impacts and the integration of education and research. Technology impacts of the proposed work include the invention of new technologies based on molecular devices. Such technologies may enable active nanostructures that extend computing, electronic memory, bio-chemical sensing, or energy harvesting beyond the limits of modern technologies. The proposed research will generate new scientific understanding that will benefit society through active nanostructures that protect us from threats and improve our quality of living. Education impacts include the integration of undergraduate students in nanotechnology research, and curriculum development to build an educated workforce skilled in the area of nanotechnology.