| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/C00678X/1 |
| Title: |
Mechanisms of Single Molecule Conductance |
| Principal Investigator: |
Nichols, Professor RJ |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Chemistry |
| Organisation: |
University of Liverpool |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 August 2005 |
Ends: |
31 July 2008 |
Value (£): |
316,701
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Chemical Structure |
Electrochemical Science & Eng. |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
Surfaces & Interfaces |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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We have recently developed two new methods based on the scanning tunneling microscope for measuring single molecule electrical properties. Notably these methods can be applied in a wide variety of environments, including electrolyte, enabling energy levels (redox states) within molecules to be tuned with respect to the metallic contacts. The main aims of this project is to probe mechanistic aspects of single molecule conductivity, taking advantage of these new methods. Two key variables in our mechanistic determination will be temperature and electrode potential. Temperature dependent current-voltage measurements will be used to analyse the mechanisms of charge (electron) transport and to identify the transition between wave-like behaviour (superexchange) and electron hopping mechanisms. Electrochemical potential will also be used as important variable for analysing transport mechanisms since it enables energy levels (of redox active groups) in the molecule to be tuned (with respect to the Fermi levels of the contacting electrodes). On the basis of this mechanistic knowledge we will investigate charge transport in oligothiophene molecular wires. In the latter case the interplay between single molecule and ensemble effects will be analysed.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.liv.ac.uk |