SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY
We currently have three SPMs, all equipped to perform single-molecule conductance measurements. Our instruments are built by
Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent) and they have been modified with custom preamplifiers and data acquisition boards to suit our needs.
We can investigate charge transport across molecular wires in the window between 10-8 and 102 G0 depending on
the instrument and the technique. Our techniques and instrumentations, developed with our collaborators in Bristol University (Prof. W. Schwarzacher)
uses both tunnelling and conductive atomic force probes.
We have modules to perform measurements under controlled atmosphere, electrochemical environment
and over temperatures ranging from 0 to 250 oC.
Instrumentation
Keysight Technologies 5500 SPMKeysight Technologies 5500 SPM (Picoplus II Controller)
Keysight Technologies 4500 SPM (Picoscan Controller)
Molecular Wires Synthesis
Chemical synthesis in our research group is at the heart of our vision. Using a broad range of classical synthetic chemistry and novel cross-coupling techniques
we synthesise the molecular wires used in our single molecule conductance measurements, tailoring the final product to our needs. We use a variety of
anchoring groups to attach the molecules to the metal electrodes in the STM (pyridyl, thiols, amines, trimethylsilyl, etc) and perform thorough purification and
characterisation of synthesised compounds (NMR, HRMS, CHN, etc.) prior to use.
Our laboratories are fully equipped to perform reactions in air-free or moisture-free conditions, thus expanding the range of molecular wires we can prepare.
EC CHARACTERISATION
Better understanding of electrochemical process occurring at surfaces is important in the field of molecular electronics, and it is of paramount importance when an electrochemical gate effect is expected, for example in transition metal-containing molecular wires. We also work in partnership with the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation to characterise surface properties of unusual electrodes, such as carbon felts, that can be used in energy storage technology.