Exploring the Tilt-Angle Dependence of Electron Tunneling across Molecular Junctions of Self-Assembled Alkanethiols

Electronic transport mechanisms in molecular junctions are investigated by a combination of first-principles calculations and current-voltage measurements of several well-characterized structures. We study self-assembled layers of alkanethiols grown on Au(111) and form tunnel junctions by contacting the molecular layers with the tip of a conductive force microscope. Measurements done under low-load conditions permit us to obtain reliable tilt-angle and molecular length dependencies of the low-bias conductance through the alkanethiol layers. The observed dependence on tilt-angle is stronger for the longer molecular chains. Our calculations confirm the observed trends and explain them as a result of two mechanisms, namely, a previously proposed intermolecular tunneling enhancement as well as a hitherto overlooked tilt-dependent molecular gate effect.

Munuera, C (författare)
Ocal, C (författare)
Brandbyge, Mads (författare)
Paulsson, MagnusHögskolan i Kalmar,Naturvetenskapliga institutionen(Swepub:lnu)epama (författare)
Sanches-Portal, D (författare)
Arnau, A (författare)
Högskolan i KalmarNaturvetenskapliga institutionen (creator_code:org_t)

Ingår i:ACS Nano: American Chemical Society (ACS)3:8, s. 2073-20801936-08511936-086X

Av författaren/redakt...: Frederiksen, Tho ...; Munuera, C; Ocal, C; Brandbyge, Mads; Paulsson, Magnus; Sanches-Portal, ...; visa fler...; Arnau, A; visa färre...

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