Benchmarking break-junction techniques: electric and thermoelectric characterization of naphthalenophanes

Break-junction techniques provide the possibility to study electric and thermoelectric properties of single-molecule junctions in great detail. These techniques rely on the same principle of controllably breaking metallic contacts in order to create single-molecule junctions, whilst keeping track of the junction's conductance. Here, we compare...

Mechanical compression in cofacial porphyrin cyclophane pincers

Intra- and intermolecular interactions are dominating chemical processes, and their concerted interplay enables complex nonequilibrium states like life. While the responsible basic forces are typically investigated spectroscopically, a conductance measurement to probe and control these interactions in a single molecule far out of equilibrium is...

Mechanical conductance tunability of a porphyrin-cyclophane single-molecule junction

The possibility to study quantum interference phenomena at ambient conditions is an appealing feature of molecular electronics. By connecting two porphyrins in a cofacial cyclophane, we create an attractive platform for mechanically controlling electric transport through the intramolecular extent of π-orbital overlap of the porphyrins facing...

Substitution Pattern Controlled Quantum Interference in [2.2]Paracyclophane-Based Single-Molecule Junctions

Quantum interference (QI) of electron waves passing through a single-molecule junction provides a powerful means to influence its electrical properties. Here, we investigate the correlation between substitution pattern, conductance, and mechanosensitivity in [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP)-based molecular wires in a mechanically controlled break...

Large Conductance Variations in a Mechanosensitive Single-Molecule Junction

An appealing feature of molecular electronics is the possibility of inducing changes in the orbital structure through external stimuli. This can provide functionality on the single-molecule level that can be employed for sensing or switching purposes if the associated conductance changes are sizable upon application of the stimuli. Here, we...