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Title: Computational design of intrinsic molecular rectifiers based on asymmetric functionalization of N-phenylbenzamide

Journal Article · · Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [3];  [3];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Yale Univ., New Haven, CT (United States); Yale Univ., West Haven, CT (United States)
  2. Yale Univ., West Haven, CT (United States)
  3. Columbia Univ., New York, NY (United States)

Here, we report a systematic computational search of molecular frameworks for intrinsic rectification of electron transport. The screening of molecular rectifiers includes 52 molecules and conformers spanning over 9 series of structural motifs. N-Phenylbenzamide is found to be a promising framework with both suitable conductance and rectification properties. A targeted screening performed on 30 additional derivatives and conformers of N-phenylbenzamide yielded enhanced rectification based on asymmetric functionalization. We demonstrate that electron-donating substituent groups that maintain an asymmetric distribution of charge in the dominant transport channel (e.g., HOMO) enhance rectification by raising the channel closer to the Fermi level. These findings are particularly valuable for the design of molecular assemblies that could ensure directionality of electron transport in a wide range of applications, from molecular electronics to catalytic reactions.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-06NA25396
OSTI ID:
1256096
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-15-25235
Journal Information:
Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, Vol. 11, Issue 12; ISSN 1549-9618
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 32 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (12)

Tuning electrical conductance of molecular junctions via multipath Ru-based metal complex wire journal July 2019
Structure–function relationships in single molecule rectification by N-phenylbenzamide derivatives journal January 2016
Controlling the rectification properties of molecular junctions through molecule–electrode coupling journal January 2016
Molecular modelling and simulation for the design of molecular diodes using density functional theory journal February 2020
Heterospin biradicals provide insight into molecular conductance and rectification journal January 2017
Quo vadis, unimolecular electronics? journal January 2018
HOMO–LUMO coupling: the fourth rule for highly effective molecular rectifiers journal January 2017
Improving the rectifying performance of the pyrene-benzene system by optimizing its hydrocarbon bridge: A first-principles investigation journal November 2018
Three site molecular orbital controlled single-molecule rectifiers based on perpendicularly linked porphyrin–imide dyads journal January 2019
Molecular modelling and simulation for the design of molecular diodes using density functional theory text January 2020
Molecular modelling and simulation for the design of molecular diodes using density functional theory text January 2020
Rectification and negative differential resistance via orbital level pinning journal June 2018

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