title: Single-Molecule Break Junctions Based on a Perylene-Diimide Cyano-Functionalized (PDI8-CN2) Derivative.
abstract: In this letter, we report the single-molecule conductance properties of a cyano-functionalized perylene-diimide derivative (PDI8-CN2) investigated with gold nano-electrodes. This molecule is of large interest for the fabrication of high-performance and air-stable n-type organic field-effect transistors. Low-bias experiments performed on mechanically controllable break junctions reveal the presence of two different values of the single-molecule conductance, which differ by about two orders of magnitudes. Up to date, this feature was never observed for other perylene-diimide compounds having alternative chemical moieties attached to the basic aromatic core. Theoretical calculations suggest that the highest single-molecule conductance value here observed, comprised between 10(-2) and 10(-3) G0, is related to a charge transport path directly linking the two cyano groups.
authors.affiliation: Kavli Institute of Nanonscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ, Delft, The Netherlands, r.frisenda@tudelft.nl.
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Frisenda
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Parlato
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barra
authors.forename: Herre S J
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: van der Zant
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cassinese