Non-contact measurement of single molecular devices by soft X-ray electron spectroscopy

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K20538
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0501:Physical chemistry, functional solid state chemistry, organic chemistry, polymers, organic materials, biomolecular chemistry, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Niozu Akinobu 広島大学, 先進理工系科学研究科(理), 助教 (60910320)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 自己組織化単分子膜

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we attempted to evaluate the conductivity of molecular devices in a non-contact manner using soft X-ray electron spectroscopy. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of biphenyl derivatives with different torsional angles between the two benzene rings were prepared on Au substrates as a model system for molecular devices. Soft X-ray electron spectroscopy was performed on the SAMs to observe the charge transfer dynamics. Based on the difference in the obtained Auger electron spectra, we identified a change in the charge transfer time dependent on the torsional angle.

Free Research Field

ナノ構造化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究ではビフェニル分子のねじれ角に依存して電荷移動時間が変化することを見出し、軟X線光電子分光法による分子の非接触導電性評価を実証した。この結果から、分子構造と電荷移動ダイナミクスの関係についての基礎的な知見が得られた。また今後この手法を発展させることで、他の多く分子系について同様の非接触導電性評価が可能となると期待される。