Computational design of donor-bridge-acceptor systems exhibiting pronounced quantum interference effects

Journal Article (2016)
Author(s)

N. Gorczak-Vos (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Nicolas Renaud (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

E. Galán García (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Rienk Eelkema (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Laurens D A Siebbeles (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Ferdinand C. Grozema (TU Delft - Applied Sciences)

Research Group
ChemE/Opto-electronic Materials
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1039/c5cp06728f Final published version
More Info
expand_more
Publication Year
2016
Language
English
Research Group
ChemE/Opto-electronic Materials
Issue number
9
Volume number
18
Pages (from-to)
6773-6779
Downloads counter
165
Collections
Institutional Repository
Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Abstract

Quantum interference is a well-known phenomenon that dictates charge transport properties of single molecule junctions. However, reports on quantum interference in donor-bridge-acceptor molecules are scarce. This might be due to the difficulties in meeting the conditions for the presence of quantum interference in a donor-bridge-acceptor system. The electronic coupling between the donor, bridge, and acceptor moieties must be weak in order to ensure localised initial and final states for charge transfer. Yet, it must be strong enough to allow all bridge orbitals to mediate charge transfer. We present the computational route to the design of a donor-bridge-acceptor molecule that features the right balance between these contradicting requirements and exhibits pronounced interference effects.