Can we mechanically tune the behavior of molecular diodes? This research presents a mechanically tunable molecular diode exhibiting an exceptionally large rectification ratio and reversible direction. The molecular system involves a seven-armchair graphene nanoribbon (GNR) doped with a single unit of substitutional diboron synthesized on a gold substrate. The diboron unit creates half-populated in-gap bound states and splits the GNR frontier bands, localizing the bound state in a double barrier configuration. Suspending these GNRs between a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope tip and the substrate demonstrates unipolar hole transport through the boron in-gap state's resonance, resulting in strong current rectification that can be tuned by adjusting the tip-substrate distance. This study introduces an approach for precise manipulation of molecular electronic functionalities.
This article, published in Advanced Materials, aligns with the journal's focus on cutting-edge materials science and nanotechnology. It reports on the creation of a mechanically tunable molecular diode, highlighting advancements in the precise manipulation of molecular electronic functionalities. This aligns with the journal's interest in novel materials with advanced properties and potential technological applications.