MOLCLICK · Molecular 'Click-tronics': Surface-based synthesis of single-molecule electronic components
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2015-10-01 → 2018-09-30
- EU contribution
- €246,668
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-GF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Molecular 'Click-tronics': Surface-based synthesis of single-molecule electronic components
How can we best utilize single-molecules in electronics? The smallest features of circuits used inside computer chips will reach the size of a single molecule in 10-20 years (following Moore’s Law). So far, researchers have typically studied molecular-scale electronic components using a common iterative process. First the molecules are prepared and isolated elsewhere (ex situ), then their properties are measured. In this project I am taking a different approach, by preparing and measuring the molecular components in the same place (in situ). This can make them easier to construct, and provide insights into new strategies for ‘wiring up’ molecules into more complicated circuits. Specifically, I am (i) exploring new ways to make the molecular electronic components in situ, and (ii) developing new techniques using the ‘scanning tunnelling microscope’ (STM) to assess whether I have successfully constructed the desired molecular circuit(s). My approach can be used to rapidly screen novel single-molecule wires and devices (e.g. diodes or switches), improving important properties such as how well they conduct electricity (for a switch they should conduct well when ‘on’ and not at all when ‘off’). It also provides a mechanism to test the properties of single-molecule electronic components comprising weakly-bound species. These typically fall apart while they are being tested using existing methods. This research has broad applications and far-reaching impact in data storage and computation (‘wiring-up’ molecules in circuits), and will open up exciting possibilities in other areas of surface chemistry (e.g. sensing and catalysis).
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
How can single-molecules be best utilized in electronics? Feature sizes of integrated circuits will reach this scale in 10-20 years (Moore’s Law). Typical molecular studies involve surface self-assembled components first synthesised elsewhere (ex situ). Yet surface-based (in situ) preparations offer several distinct synthetic advantages – also simplifying the construction of otherwise difficult to prepare asymmetrical surface-bound motifs.In this project I will (i) explore unconventional in situ syntheses of single-molecule electronic components, and (ii) develop scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) techniques to assess the success of chemical reactions at the single-molecule scale. High yielding and versatile (e.g. ‘Click’ ) reactions will prove invaluable in this context. My largely unexplored approach will be used to rapidly screen novel single-molecule diodes and wires, improving rectification ratios and conductance. It will also be applied to produce complex molecular ‘test-beds’, allowing electron transport to be probed through single-molecules orientated parallel to the surface (enabling studies of mechanically weak analytes). This research has broad application and far-reaching impact in data storage and computation (‘wiring-up’ molecules in circuits), and will open up exciting possibilities in sensing and catalysis.Project results, and nano-science in general, will be actively promoted through a series of Outreach workshops, lectures (implemented in Europe) and a new internet blog, ‘Nanotechnology, Translated’ (contributing to the growing international science blogosphere). A planned secondment to the microelectronics industry will provide commercial and technical insights useful for securing funding and developing future technologies over the next two decades. The new collaborations and enhanced international profile, networks and training provided by this Fellowship will ultimately prove pivotal in helping me establish my independent academic career.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITE DE RENNES I · RENNES CEDEXCoordinatorFrance
- TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK · New YorkUnited States
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union