Single-molecule single-electron transistor (SM-SET) based on π-conjugated quinoidal-fused oligosilole and heteroepitaxial spherical Au/Pt nanogap electrodes

Abstract

A single-molecule single-electron transistor (SM-SET) consisting of a π-conjugated quinoidal-fused oligosilole derivative, Si-2, of radius 0.75 nm and heteroepitaxial spherical (HS) Au/Pt nanogap electrodes is demonstrated. Si-2 with two inner silicon atoms and two ethylenethiol groups at both ends is chemisorbed by an S–Au bond between HS-Au/Pt nanogap electrodes fabricated by combining electron-beam lithography and electroless Au plating. An ideal Coulomb staircase, Coulomb oscillation, and Coulomb diamond were observed using the 1.5 nm Si-2 SM-SET, which were supported by theoretical results based on the orthodox model.