Stretching-Induced Conductance Increase in a Spin-Crossover Molecule

Journal article (2016)

Authors

R. Frisenda QN/van der Zant Lab - AS
Gero D. Harzmann University of Basel
J.A. Celis Gil QN/Thijssen Group - AS
J.M. Thijssen QN/Thijssen Group - AS
Marcel Mayor Sun Yat-sen University, Karlsruhe Institut für Technologie, University of Basel
H.S.J. van der Zant QN/van der Zant Lab - AS
Research Group
QN/van der Zant Lab (AS) (TU Delft)
Nanoscale transport Density functional theory Molecular spintronics Spin-crossover switch
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Published Date

10-08-2016

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

QN/Quantum Nanoscience

Research Group

QN/van der Zant Lab

Abstract

We investigate transport through mechanically triggered single-molecule switches that are based on the coordination sphere-dependent spin state of FeII-species. In these molecules, in certain junction configurations the relative arrangement of two terpyridine ligands within homoleptic FeII-complexes can be mechanically controlled. Mechanical pulling may thus distort the FeII coordination sphere and eventually modify their spin state. Using the movable nanoelectrodes in a mechanically controlled break-junction at low temperature, current-voltage measurements at cryogenic temperatures support the hypothesized switching mechanism based on the spin-crossover behavior. A large fraction of molecular junctions formed with the spin-crossover-active FeII-complex displays a conductance increase for increasing electrode separation and this increase can reach 1-2 orders of magnitude. Theoretical calculations predict a stretching-induced spin transition in the FeII-complex and a larger transmission for the high-spin configuration.