Electron Transport through Hydrogen Bonded Single‐Molecule Junctions^†

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryHydrogen bonding is a vital driving force for organizing the hierarchy of molecular structure, especially in biologic field. Due to its directionality, selectivity and moderate strength, hydrogen bonding has been extensively introduced into the molecular recognition, sensing and electronic devices. Electric measurements at single‐molecule level facilitate the investigation of hydrogen bonds and provide a comprehensive understanding of the electron transport properties governed by the hydrogen bonding, which is essential for the development of self‐assembled electronic systems. This review provides a detailed overview of recent advancements in constructing single‐molecule junctions utilizing intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. We first introduce the methods utilized for characterizing the electric and dynamic properties of non‐covalent interactions. Next, we discuss the mechanisms of electron transport, relevant influencing factors, and typical applications utilizing electrical signals based on single‐molecule junctions. Finally, we propose our perspective on the existing challenges and prospective opportunities in utilizing hydrogen bonding for electronic device applications.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Many‐body Effects on Electronic Transport in Molecular Junctions: A Quantum Perspective

“…Very recently, the charge transport through σ‐σ stacking interactions was investigated using the STM‐BJ technique, and it was suggested that this interaction could offer an efficient pathway for charge transport [26] . In a nutshell, there have been many studies on the potential use of non‐covalent interaction, like H‐bonding, π–π stacking, charge transfer, σ–σ stacking, in constructing SMJ [23,25] …”

“…The construction of SMJ using intramolecular and intermolecular H-bonding is a vibrant research area now. A detailed account of the recent developments in constructing SMJ using the H-bond interactions can be found in the review article of Fang et al [25] While intramolecular H-bond can induce rearrangement of π-electrons in a conjugated system resulting in a change in transport properties, the intermolecular H-bond (XÀ H…Y) can be utilized to construct supramolecular electronic devices with suitable properties. In the case of intermolecular H-bond, the stability and the properties of the junction can be modulated using suitable Lewis base and substituents at both the H-bond donor and acceptor sites.…”

“…[26] In a nutshell, there have been many studies on the potential use of non-covalent interaction, like H-bonding, π-π stacking, charge transfer, σ-σ stacking, in constructing SMJ. [23,25] However, in the last 15 years, the existence of some close cousins of the H-bond has been highlighted and there is a rapidly growing recognition of their properties leading to important developments in many fields, such as material chemistry, drug design, polymer chemistry, etc. These NCIs are primarily based on σ-hole and π-hole interactions.…”