Fabrication and Characterization of Decanedithiol Molecular Junction Using Nanogap Electrodes

Abstract

We have fabricated and characterized the decanedithiol molecular junctions using planar Au nanogap electrodes in solution. The molecular junctions were formed by immersing the nanogap electrodes in decanedithiol solution. The number of molecules bridging the Au electrodes was precisely evaluated using two independent methods. First, the number of molecules was estimated from the area of the nanogap electrodes. The area of the nanogap electrodes was evaluated from the current–voltage (I–V) curve of the nanogap electrodes before the immersion process. Second, the number of molecules was estimated by comparing the conductance of the molecular junction with the previously reported conductance value of the single molecular junction. We also repeatedly form and break the molecular junctions by an electrochemical process.