Controlling the Entropy of a Single-Molecule Junction

Single molecules are nanoscale thermodynamic systems with few degrees of freedom. Thus, the knowledge of their entropy can reveal the presence of microscopic electron transfer dynamics that are difficult to observe otherwise. Here, we apply thermocurrent spectroscopy to directly measure the entropy of a single free radical molecule in a...

Enhanced Separation Concept (ESC): Removing the Functional Subunit from the Electrode by Molecular Design

A new concept to improve the reliability of functional single molecule junctions is presented using the E-field triggered switching of Fe^IIbis-terpyridine complexes in a mechanically controlled break junction experiment as model system. The complexes comprise a push-pull ligand sensing the applied E-field and the resulting...

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...