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HEIndividual fellowship2023–2025

CATNIp · Interplay of charge and energy transfer in single molecules

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-04-01 → 2025-03-31
EU contribution
€195,915
Participants
1
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Interplay of charge and energy transfer in single molecules

Molecular architectures are becoming increasingly important, for example to improve cost and energy efficiency of optoelectronic devices or to miniaturize information storage. In contrast to “classical” semiconductor devices, the properties and functionality of molecular devices are governed by the quantum properties of their nanoscopic building blocks, namely the single molecules, but also by the interactions between them. Processes such as energy conversion depend heavily on the nanoscale interactions between individual charges and the optically excited states of molecules. Investigating such things therefore requires tools that can control and probe both the charge state and the excited state of individual or interacting molecules with submolecular precision. On their own, optical spectroscopy techniques cannot meet these criteria, but in combination with high-resolution scanning probe microscopy, both submolecular spatial resolution and charge state control down to the single electron can be achieved. In this context, CATNIp has focused on understanding the interplay between single charges and optically excited states in individual and coupled molecules. To this end, the unique combination of atomically precise scanning probe methods and optical spectroscopy was used to study and control the intricate interplay of charge transfer and excited state dynamics with near-atomic precision.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

In the pursuit to mimic highly efficient natural processes like photosynthesis in optoelectronic devices, molecule-based architectures are becoming increasingly important in reducing costs and improving energy efficiency. In these processes, intermolecular charge and energy transfer are intimately linked, however, how exactly intramolecular charge distribution, charge transfer and excited state dynamics interrelate is not fully understood, yet. Studying these fundamental processes requires tools that can control and probe both the charge state and the excited state of individual and interacting molecules simultaneously with sub-molecular spatial resolution. So far, the only way to achieve sub-nanometric spatial resolution in optical spectroscopy is to combine it with scanning tunneling microscopy, but this approach does not allow deliberately controlling the charge state of an individual molecule. CATNIp aims at combining tip-enhanced optical spectroscopy with atomic force microscopy on single molecules as well as multi-molecular complexes adsorbed on multilayer insulating films. This approach will facilitate studying the interplay of charges and excited states within such systems with atomic resolution and single-electron sensitivity. In collaboration with organic chemistry as well as theory groups, this will allow addressing fundamental questions such as how excess charges influence molecular excitons, or whether and how it is possible to tailor energy transfer between molecules by introducing localized charges within or nearby the molecular complex.In addition, CATNIp will provide me with extensive training opportunities related to gaining expertise in the field of scanning probe-based optical spectroscopy, managing my own research project, and improving my teaching skills, laying the foundation for a successful career in research.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS · ParisCoordinatorFrance

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union