Objective Today, one of the central themes in the Nanoscience is Molecular Electronics which relies on the ability to measure and control electrical current through molecular scaffolds. As in the case of conventional semiconductor electronics that took several decades of research to reach commercial applications, the concept of using few molecules or even a single molecule as active components in electronic devices is now closer to reality. Molecular Electronics research continues in deepening our understanding of the properties of single molecules and is anticipated to lead to novel organic (opto)-electronic devices. However, the question remains “when will this fundamental science turn into a commercial technology?” The answer for this question is “soon”. However, this field is still in its infancy and there are several unsolved issues, the most critical one being optimizing molecular contacts with electrodes and controlling current flow through molecular junctions.In this project, we propose to use STM break-junction approaches to measure the properties of single molecules using novel molecular anchoring chemistries to bridge molecules between electrodes. In particular, we intend to integrate newly developed surface chemistry reactions to go a step further in the stability of molecular junctions. Further, we intend to investigate conducting electrodes other than the common gold electrodes because the latter are not ideal for commercial applications. With the opportunity of having robust and low contact-resistance molecule-electrode interfaces, we intend to control the electrical flow through single molecules using electrochemical, light irradiation, solvent and mechanical stress stimuli. This project is hoped to gain fundamental insights into the electrical properties of single molecules, develop novel molecular switches and bring the Molecular Electronics field a step further towards real applications. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssemiconductivity Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA EU contribution € 166 336,20 Address GRAN VIA DE LES CORTS CATALANES 585 08007 Barcelona Spain See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Xavier Gutierrez (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data