Transition Metal Terpyridine Complexes for Molecular Electronics
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University of Liverpool Department of Chemistry Transition Metal Terpyridine Complexes for Molecular Electronics Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Liverpool for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. By Sarah Chappell October 2014 Abstract Currently there is a huge amount of interest in the synthesis and electrical characterisation of single molecules that have the potential for use in electronic devices. In order for this technology to move forward it is necessary to gain insights into structure-property relationships at the nanoscale, as well as a basic understanding of the charge transport through various molecular architectures. It has previously been demonstrated that the electrical properties of redox active single molecules can be investigated as a function of potential. This thesis investigates the single molecule conductance properties of molecules incorporating a transition metal centre. The research presented in this thesis investigates two major studies. The first is a study into the electrochemical and conductance properties of a variety of transition metal based complexes. Initial electrochemical and conductance investigations of a series of pyterpy transition metal complexes showed a similar conductance for all the series, this was investigated in two different environments. The ligand was then varied and several ruthenium complexes were investigated, to investigate the anchoring group effect and to examine the length and conductance relationship. The data presented here demonstrates a higher conductance for methyl sulphide anchoring group than the pyridyl anchoring group. The data presented showed a low dependence on molecular length, suggesting a hopping transport mechanism. The conductance behaviour of two [M(pyterpy)2](PF6)2 complexes were investigated as a function of potential in an ionic liquid medium. The data presented exhibited an increase in conductance as the redox potential was reached. The second study investigated the conductance behaviour of two 6-porphyrin nanorings. This is the first conductance study on these porphyrin based complexes. The study investigated a ‘complete’ and ‘broken’ nanoring and showed a smaller than expected difference in conductance between them. This preliminary study has allowed for the development of the structure to investigate possible quantum interference effects. i Acknowledgements I firstly would like to thank my supervisor Prof. Simon Higgins for his help and support over the past four years and the opportunity to work in his research group. I would also like to extend my appreciation to my secondary supervisor, Prof. Richard Nichols and Prof. Don Bethell for all the advice and support. I also would like to thank the Higgins-Nichols research group for their support and help. I would like to thank all the friends I have made throughout my time at Liverpool, in particular the lasting friendships built with Dr Carly Brooke and Dr Alex Lawrenson. Special mention must go to Dr Sam Catarelli for being a great friend and a massive support throughout both our PhD projects. On a personal note, I would like to thank all my friends for supporting me throughout my PhD, in particular Leah, Pete and Dave. Special mention must go to Shaun Walker who has always been enthusiastic and supportive towards my studies. I’d also like to thank Rebekah and Michelle for their fantastic ability to take my mind off my work and Steve’s parents for welcoming me into their family. A debt of gratitude is owed to my sister Jenny, her husband Peter, Henry and Abigail for their support and constant supply of Sunday roast dinners! I’d like to thank and Steve for always being there for me as without him none of this would have been possible. ii Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... ii Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................ vii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................... viii List of Schemes ............................................................................................................................................ xvii List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................. xviii Chapter 1 ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1.1 Introduction to Molecular Electronics: .............................................................................. 2 1.2 Conductance measurements:......................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Scanning tunneling microscope: .................................................................................................. 7 1.3.1 Quantum Tunneling: ................................................................................................................. 8 1.3.2 Calculating the conductance: ................................................................................................. 9 1.3.4 Scanning Tunneling Microscope Instrumentation ........................................................... 9 1.4 Self-Assembled Monolayers: ........................................................................................................ 10 1.5 Electrochemistry .............................................................................................................................. 11 1.5.1 Electrode Reactions ................................................................................................................. 11 1.5.2 Voltammetry .............................................................................................................................. 12 1.5.3 Cyclic Voltammetry.................................................................................................................. 12 1.5.4 Monolayer Voltammetry ....................................................................................................... 18 1.5.5 Laviron Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 19 1.5.6 Electrode Analysis .................................................................................................................... 19 1.5.7 Solvent .......................................................................................................................................... 20 1.6 Techniques for measuring the conductance: ......................................................................... 21 1.6.1 I(s) Method .................................................................................................................................. 21 1.6.2 I(t) Method .................................................................................................................................. 23 1.6.3 Break junctions: ........................................................................................................................ 24 1.6.4 Electrochemically Controlled STM (EC-STM) technique: ......................................... 25 1.7 Charge Transport ............................................................................................................................. 26 1.7.1 Coherent Charge Transport .................................................................................................. 26 1.7.2 Superexchange .......................................................................................................................... 28 1.7.3 Simmons Model ......................................................................................................................... 28 iii 1.7.4 Resonant Tunneling ................................................................................................................ 29 1.7.5 Non-Coherent Charge Transport: Hopping Regime .................................................... 30 1.7.6 Transfer between Charge Transport Mechanisms ...................................................... 31 1.8 Modifying the Conductance: ......................................................................................................... 32 1.8.1 Anchoring Group ...................................................................................................................... 32 1.8.2 Transmission Coefficients ..................................................................................................... 35 1.8.3 Conductance Groups: .............................................................................................................. 36 1.8.4 Medium Effects .......................................................................................................................... 37 1.8.5 Redox Gating: ............................................................................................................................