Nanogap Electrodes

Unique in its scope, this book comprehensively combines various synthesis strategies with applications for nanogap electrodes. Clearly divided into four parts, the monograph begins with an introduction to molecular electronics and electron transport in molecular junctions, before moving on to a whole section devoted to synthesis and characterization. The third part looks at applications with single molecules or self-assembled monolayers, and the whole is rounded off with a section on interesting phenomena observed using molecular-based devices.

Wenping Hu is a Professor of the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He received his Ph.D. from the Institute in 1999. He then joined Osaka University as a research fellow of Japan society for the Promotion of Sciences and Stuttgart University as an Alexander von Humboldt fellow. In 2003 he worked for Nippon Telephone and Telegraph, and then returned to the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on molecular electronics such as molecular solids and optoelectronic devices and he has more than 150 refereed publications.

NANOGAP ELECTRODES AND MOLECULAR DEVICES
Introduction
Overview of molecular electronics
Introduction to nanogap electrodes
Summary and outlook

MECHANISMS OF CHARGE TRANSPORT IN MOLECULAR DEVICES
Introduction
Solid-state molecular junction conductance
Factors influencing a molecule's electronic signature
Conclusions and outlook

METHODS OF FABRICATING NANOGAP ELECTRODES
Introduction
Mechanical controllable break junctions
Electrochemical and chemical deposition method
Oblique angle shadow evaporation
Electromigration and electrical breakdown method
Molecular scale template
Focused ion beam and oxidative plasma ablation
Scanning probe lithography
Top-contact methods
Summary and outlook

METALLIC NANOGAP ELECTRODES
Introduction
Gold: widely applicable material for nanogap electrodes
Platinum nanogap electrodes
Mercury: liquid top contacts
Titanium and Titanium dioxide
Other metals
Outlook

NANOGAP ELECTRODES PREPARED WITH NON-METALLIC MATERIALS
Introduction
Nanogap electrodes made from carbon materials
Silicon nanogap electrodes
Other materials
Outlook

MONOLAYER FILMS IN MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS JUNCTIONS
Introduction
Molecular monolayers for molecular electronics devices
Top electrodes
Experimental progress with ensemble molecular junctions
Outlook

MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS DEVICES WITH SINGLE MOLECULES
Introduction
Wiring and measuring a single molecule
Single-molecule transistors
Challenges and outlooks

EXAMPLES OF DISTINCTLY MOLECULAR PROPERTIES "SEEN" IN MOLECULAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Introduction
Kondo resonances in single-molecule transistors
Quantum transport
Conductance switching
Electrochemical gating and redox properties
Summary and conclusions