Prof. Dr. Andrea Vezzoli
University of Liverpool, UK
Thursday, March 26
11:30
Abstract
Quasi-Ballistic Transport in Uncapped Linear Carbon Chains
The elusive 1D carbon allotrope, carbyne, promises extraordinary electronic properties, yet its realization is hindered by stabilizing end-caps that intrinsically disrupt transport. We devised a novel strategy to access stable, uncapped metal-(CC)n-metal junctions (with n = 2-8), exploiting thermodynamically-favourable in-situ transmetallation. While shorter chains display typical oligoyne-like attenuation, chains exceeding 10 C atoms exhibit a transition to cumulenic electronic equalization. This shift unlocks quasi-ballistic, distance-independent transport with exceptionally high conductance, enabling currents of up to 40 μA through a single carbon chain. These results provide the first direct access to the metallic behavior of carbyne within a molecular junction environment.
Biography
Andrea Vezzoli is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. His research focuses on the fabrication of functional single-molecule junctions, devices where individual molecules are "chemically soldered" to nanoelectrodes. His group combines organic synthesis with high-bandwidth nano-electronic measurements to establish structure-property relationships with a specific focus on electromechanical and emissive properties. Supported by the Royal Society, EPSRC, UKRI, and the ERC, his work aims to define the ultimate limits of charge transport and functionalisation at the single-molecule level.