The team succeeded in designing the devices with a tenfold jump
in switching efficiency by altering just one carbon atom of the
active molecular component. By acting as electrical valves,
these molecules allow current to flow through them when switched
on and stop current flow when switched off. The Singapore
scientists packed these molecules tightly on metal electrode
surfaces, and the defect-free assemblies can suppress leakage
currents to operate efficiently and reliably. The device can be
switched on and off cleanly based on the charge and shape of the
molecules. Redox active ferrocenealkanethiol molecules pack
together and assemble into monolayer thin films on silver
electrodes. Molecules standing tall instead of crouching form
tighter assemblies, which dramatically improve the device
properties. Nature Nanotechnology - The role of van der Waals
forces in the performance of molecular diodes One of the main
goals of organic and molecular electronics is to relate the
performance and electronic function of