Development of the single-molecule detection technique based on the combination of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electron transport measurement

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K05445
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 32020:Functional solid state chemistry-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Kaneko Satoshi 東京工業大学, 理学院, 助教 (10738537)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 単分子接合 / 表面増強ラマン散乱 / 電流-電圧特性 / 接続構造解析 / 電子構造解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Establishing the highly-sensitive detection technique is significant for organic, bio-, and analytical chemistry. Single-molecule detection is the ultimate goal for this purpose. In this study, we aimed to develop a methodology for detecting SERS spectra of single molecules with high reproducibility.
To achieve this purpose, we developed the four-terminal electrochemical measurement system and surveyed the SERS spectra depending on the adsorption spectra.
Our electrochemical system detected the reactant and product controlled by the bias voltage. Besides, we were able to clarify the behavior of SERS spectra corresponding to the junction structure, and in particular, for naphthalene molecular junctions, we were able to clarify the effect of charge transfer due to the junction structure on the SERS spectra. Therefore, we obtained clues for realizing reliable single-molecule detection.

Free Research Field

単分子科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、SERSとI-V計測の融合計測を複数の単分子接合に適用することで、SERSスペクトルの形状が分子の吸着構造により説明できる事を明らかにした。分子レベルでの吸着構造変化と対応づけたSERSスペクトル計測はSERSにおける信号増強機構の解明や高感度分子認識法の開発へと研究が発展することが期待され、基礎科学、材料科学、医療分野へ貢献するものと考えられる。