Using a scanning tunneling microscope, we found metastable upright NO on Cu(110) with the 2π* molecular resonance at the Fermi level. Upon heating above 40 K, it converts to a bent structure with the loss of molecular resonance. By manipulating the distance between two upright NO, we controlled the overlap between 2π* orbitals and observed its splitting below and above the Fermi level, thus visualizing the covalent interaction between them.

New concepts for electrochemical energy storage devices are required to handle the physicochemical energy density limit that Li-ion batteries are approaching. All-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries (FIBs), in which monovalent fluoride anions...

All-solid-state fluoride-ion batteries (FIBs) are regarded as attractive alternatives to traditional energy storage systems because of their high energy density; however, they are not applicable at room temperature owing to sluggish ion transport in both the electrolyte and electrode. In this study, a rational design of a Cu–Pb nanocomposite is reported, which was tested as a room-temperature cathode material for all-solid-state FIBs. Following electrochemical pretreatment, self-generated PbF2 could act as a fast fluoride-ion conductor and consequently enhance the kinetics of the Cu/CuF2 phase transition process upon cycling. The detailed reaction mechanism and phase transition process were verified using the X-ray absorption near edge structure. The Cu–Pb nanocomposite could realize reversible (de)­fluorination at room temperature with high performance and good cyclability.

For the rational design of single-molecular electronic devices, it is essential to understand environmental effects on the electronic properties of a working molecule. Here we investigate the impact of molecular interactions on the single-molecule conductance by accurately positioning individual molecules on the electrode. To achieve reproducible and precise conductivity measurements, we utilize relatively weak π-bonding between a phenoxy molecule and a STM-tip to form and cleave one contact to the molecule. The anchoring to the other electrode is kept stable using a chalcogen atom with strong bonding to a Cu(110) substrate. These non-destructive measurements permit us to investigate the variation in single-molecule conductance under different but controlled environmental conditions. Combined with density functional theory calculations, we clarify the role of the electrostatic field in the environmental effect that influences the molecular level alignment.