Lin, J.-L.; Liu, R.; Adoah, F.; Cao, Z.; Qiu, S.; Chen, N.; Sun, F.; Wu, Z.; Wang, C.-K.; Xu, B.; del Barco, E.; Li, Y. Large Current Rectification Inside Symmetric Molecular Junctions Caused by Redox-Coupled Conformational Changes. Chem 2026, 12, 102698.
Publication time:2025-10-19     Reading times:     Font:【BigMediumSmall

Yuan Li’s and Enrique del Barco’s teams demonstrated a giant molecular rectification mechanism driven by redox-coupled conformational switching in π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) molecular junctions. Under negative bias, exTTF undergoes a two-electron oxidation, changing from a buckled, cross-conjugated structure to a planar, fully conjugated aromatic state, resulting in unidirectional charge delocalization and rectification ratios up to 5.0 × 104 even in symmetric molecules. Combined experimental (EGaIn junctions, CV, UPS, XRD) and DFT-NEGF analyses confirmed that field-driven electron delocalization triggers this transition, leading to thermally activated hopping under negative bias and tunneling under positive bias. The work establishes electric-field-induced topology control as a new design strategy for high-performance molecular diodes, eliminating the need for structural asymmetry and expanding the potential of symmetric SAM-based electronic devices.

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Next:Lim, C.; Kim, T.; Park, Y.; Kim, D.; Shin, C.; Ha, S.; Lin, J.-L.; Li, Y.; Park, J. Electric Field-Driven Conformational Changes in Molecular Memristor and Synaptic Behavior. Adv. Sci. 2025, 12, 2505016.
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