Metal Complex Molecular Junctions as Thermoelectric Devices

Abstract

Single‐molecule junctions and self‐assembled monolayer junctions are attractive architectures for thermoelectric devices. However, given the poor thermoelectric performance of organic molecules investigated so far, molecules characterized by high conductance and Seebeck coefficient values are desired to be explored. Metal complexes are promising possible active components of high‐performance thermoelectric devices given that metal‐ligand combinations and functions can be made to vary to modulate the transmission functions, thus strongly influencing conductance and Seebeck coefficient. In this concept article are described recent studies wherein thermoelectric measurements were conducted on metal complex junctions. Furthermore, the potential for the use of the junctions in thermoelectric devices is discussed.

Large Mechanosensitive Thermoelectric Enhancement in Metallo-Organic Magnetic Molecules

“…The organometallic complexes consist of transition metal atoms with 3 d orbitals sandwiched between π-conjugated ligands show magnetic properties. , These molecules have the advantage of being small with potentially high electrical conductance and thermal stability, and can form molecular films. − Their extraordinary spin transport properties provide promising opportunities for the next generation quantum computing and memory storage . Such properties can also be useful for efficient conversion of heat to electricity; however, the organometallic molecules studied so far do not show a high power factor. − This is mainly because these organometallic molecular junctions are closed-shell structures. Among organometallic complexes, metallocene has the advantage of being small and thus can lead to high conductance, but also can retain fantastic magnetic properties that can be used for thermoelectric enhancement. − However, this has been unexplored.…”

Organometallics in molecular junctions: conductance, functions, and reactions

“…Despite their potential applications in molecular electronics, 6,7,90,91 thermoelectric conversion, 92–95 sensors, 87 and catalysis, 82 organometallic MJs are still limited. Advances in this field by exploring diverse metal–ligand combinations would unveil novel functions and emergent phenomena, paving the way for unprecedented applications.…”

Controlling Redox and Wirelike Charge-Delocalization Properties of Dinuclear Mixed-Valence Complexes with MCp*(dppe) (M = Fe, Ru) Termini Bridged by Metalloporphyrin Linkers

“…metal electrode-molecule-metal electrode composites, being a minimum component of molecular electronics. Although the relationship between MV complexes and molecular junctions is complicated, as discussed by Launay, recent interest has shifted toward these metal complexes being directly used as components in molecular junctions. − Therefore, investigation of charge-delocalized properties of MV complexes themselves remains of fundamental importance for both models and components in molecular electronics.…”