CAREER: From Self-Assembled Monolayers to Molecular Multilayers: The Electronic Properties of Molecular Junctions

该CAREER奖由材料研究部（DMR）的电子和光子材料计划（EMT）和化学部（CHE）的化学结构、动力学和机制计划（CSDM）共同资助。技术：该CAREER奖的研究部分调查分子结中分子自组装单层和多层的电子性质的起源。本研究着重于两个电子性质，多态电导和整流，并解决电导和分子系统的振动模式之间的密切联系。这些研究可以解释分子电导对偏压和分子氧化还原态的依赖性。本项目的研究目标是：（1）研究卟啉单分子膜在单分子结中的电导依赖于偏压和氧化还原态的起源，（2）确定卟啉分子在分子结中的振动模式与其电子性质之间的关系，以及（3）研究卟啉单分子膜与分子多层膜中整流的起源。该项目介绍了系统设计的研究，以确定影响分子传输特性的实验参数（例如，分子膜的厚度对电子行为的依赖性以及分子结中振动能的存在）。这些参数的测试使用分子断裂结，导电原子力显微镜，和纳米间隙制造的electromigration.Non-technical：这个研究项目在电子学在分子水平上。该项目支持用于双态器件和整流器的分子的进步。更好地理解分子转运可以刺激医学研究（例如，药物递送技术）和化学传感器（例如，有毒气体检测）。为了培养具有广泛包容性的科学和工程劳动力，该项目促进对学生的科学培训，并扩大代表性不足群体的参与。这是通过一个名为NOLA MOVERS的教育计划来实现的，该计划是一个夏季计划，旨在支持历史上黑人学院和大学的学生参加伦斯勒的前沿研究。此外，伦斯勒理工学院还推出了一项计划，以留住和动员未申报的学生。

This CAREER award is jointly funded by the Electronic and Photonic Materials Program (EPM) in the Division of Materials Research (DMR) and the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms Program (CSDM) in the Division of Chemistry (CHE).Technical: The research component of this CAREER award investigates the origin of electronic properties of self-assembled monolayers and multilayers of molecules in molecular junctions. This investigation focuses on two electronic properties, multi-state conductance and rectification, and addresses the intimate connection between conductance and the vibration modes of molecular systems. These studies can provide an explanation for the dependence of molecular conductance on bias voltage and the redox states of molecules. The research aims of the project are to: (1) investigate the origin of conductance dependence on bias voltage and redox states of porphyrin monolayers in single molecule junctions, (2) identify the relationships between the vibration modes of porphyrins and its electronic properties in molecular junctions, and (3) investigate the origin of rectification in a porphyrin monolayer versus molecular multilayers. This project introduces studies that are systematically designed to identify experimental parameters that influence molecular transport properties (e.g., the dependence of thickness of molecular films on electronic behavior and the existence of vibration energies in molecular junctions). These parameters are tested using molecular break junctions, conductive atomic force microscopy, and nanogaps fabricated by electromigration.Non-technical: This research project in on electronics at the molecular level. The project supports the advancement of molecules for two-state devices and rectifiers. A better understanding of molecular transport can stimulate research in medicine (e.g., drug delivery techniques) and chemical sensors (e.g., detection of toxic gases). To cultivate a broadly inclusive science and engineering workforce, the project promotes scientific training of students and broadens the participation of underrepresented groups. This is accomplished through an educational program called NOLA MOVERS, which is a summer program to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in cutting edge research at Rensselaer. In addition, a program is introduced to Rensselaer's School of Science to retain and mobilize undeclared students.