Design and modulation of electrode–molecule interfaces in single-molecule electronic devices

Abstract

<p indent="0mm">The interface between molecules and electrodes plays a crucial role in determining charge transport properties of single-molecule electronic devices. The electrode–molecule interfacial properties can be manipulated by tuning the structures of anchor groups and electrodes. In this review, we first introduce the techniques employed for fabricating and characterizing single-molecule devices, and then describe the design principles of the anchor, the electrode and their interactions for forming electrode–molecule contact interface. Finally, we examine the recent progress of modulating the interfacial properties through external stimuli such as mechanical force, electrochemical potential and electrical field.