A Single‐Molecule Junction Based on a Covalent Organic Cage
Abstract
Abstract As the applications of molecular cages hinge on their properties, understanding the true nature of the cage structures is imperative. Single‐molecule conductance technique offered a unique opportunity to explore the property of an individual cage structure, yet the undefined cage‐electrode connection remains challenging. Herein, we designed a new single‐molecule junction based on covalent organic cages with sulfur atoms on the edges as defined anchor groups. Using scanning tunneling microscopy break junction method, the single‐molecule conductance was found at 10 −3.5 G ₀, indicating the formation of a stable junction by the cage. The investigation, combining control structures and theoretical studies, confirmed that the conductance signal originates from the connection between gold electrodes and sulfur atoms in adjacent benzothiadiazole groups. This well‐defined connection allowed us to analyze electron transport within the cage structure, providing new insights into the property investigation of functional cages.
Article Details
Authors (9)
Miao Yang
Sai‐Sai Yan
State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter Chinese Academy of Sciences Fuzhou Fujian 350002 China
Baogui Huang
VR (Xiamen) Technology Co., Ltd Xiamen 361100 China
Dong Xiang
Institute of Modern Optics, Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology
Zhong‐Ning Chen
State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter Chinese Academy of Sciences Fuzhou China
Li‐Chuan Chen
Institute of Modern Optics and Center of Single‐Molecule Science, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro‐scale Optical Information Science and Technology Nankai University Tianjin 300350 China
Kongzhao Su
State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter
Qian‐Chong Zhang
State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter Chinese Academy of Sciences Fuzhou Fujian 350002 China
Daqiang Yuan
State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter