Design and Characterization of an Electrically Powered Single Molecule on Gold

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Design and Characterization of an Electrically Powered Single Molecule on Gold

Journal Article (2017)

Author(s)

Rémy Pawlak (University of Basel)

Tobias Meier (University of Basel)

Nicolas Renaud (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Marcin Kisiel (University of Basel)

Antoine Hinaut (University of Basel)

Thilo Glatzel (University of Basel)

Delphine Sordes (MANA Satellite)

Corentin Durand (MANA Satellite)

We Hyo Soe (MANA Satellite)

Alexis Baratoff (University of Basel)

Christian Joachim (MANA Satellite)

Catherine E. Housecroft (University of Basel)

Edwin C. Constable (University of Basel)

Ernst Meyer (University of Basel)

Research Group

ChemE/Opto-electronic Materials

Atomic force microscopy Single molecule Force spectroscopy Scanning tunneling microscopy Molecular machine

DOI related publication

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.7b03955 Final published version

To reference this document use

https://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:37e38941-1978-43ef-998b-a50b97836039

More Info

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Publication Year

2017

Language

English

Research Group

ChemE/Opto-electronic Materials

Issue number

10

Volume number

11

Pages (from-to)

9930-9940

Downloads counter

191

Abstract

The surface diffusion of individual molecules is of paramount importance in self-assembly processes and catalytic processes. However, the fundamental understanding of molecule diffusion peculiarities considering conformations and adsorption sites remain poorly known at the atomic scale. Here, we probe the 4′-(4-tolyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine adsorbed on the Au(111) herringbone structure combining scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Molecules are controllably translated by electrons excitations over the reconstruction, except at elbows acting as pinning centers. Experimental data supported by theoretical calculations show the formation of coordination bonds between the molecule and Au atoms of the surface. Using force spectroscopy, we quantify local variation of the surface potential and the lateral force required to move the molecule. We found an elevation of the diffusion barrier at elbows of the reconstruction of ∼100 meV compared to the rest of the surface.