Thursday, 9th November 2006 (4735 views)

UK scientists have developed the longest single molecule wire with the help of gold electrodes.

The seven nanometre-long wire has been made by scientists based at Durham University alongside Geoff Ashwell from the University of Wales and is thought to be the longest ever to be used for single-molecule electrical current studies, reports the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Two gold electrodes are supporting the rigid wire which as thiol groups at each end. The dipyridyl group at the centre of the wide can be coupled with a negatively charged election donor and could represent the first step in the development of the technology for a number of possible uses.

Richard Nichols, an expert in molecular electronics at the University of Liverpool, explained: "The electrical properties of the wire can be chemically switched for application in rectifying junctions."

"Long molecular wires of this kind are attractive candidates for bridging nanofabricated contact pads or for acting as conduits of electrical charge in photovoltaic devices," he added.

 

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