Key advances in electrochemically-addressable single-molecule electronics

Abstract

We discuss here recent advancements in the field of electrochemically-gated single-molecule conductance measurements. Important practical techniques and considerations are discussed alongside methods to determine the mechanism of charge transport in molecular junctions. Organic and organometallic systems are discussed, with a focus on systems showing clear electrochemically-gated activity. We highlight a clear need in the field for more in-depth analysis, at higher potential resolution and over a wider electrochemical window to provide more mechanistic insights in such systems. Detailed analyses are key to a deeper understanding of the physical processes operative in single-molecule junctions, and to translate fundamental studies into functional devices.