Mixed Molecular Electronics: Tunneling Behaviors and Applications of Mixed Self-Assembled Monolayers

Abstract

Molecular electronics promise electronic devices that are miniaturized to molecular and atomic levels. Despite significant efforts made towards understanding and improving the electronic functions of devices based on homogeneous molecular systems, the roles, effects, and importance of molecular-level dilution and mixing in active components for device performance have only recently begun to be understood. Recent advances in molecular electronics based on heterogeneous active components, defined as mixed molecular electronics, are reviewed, with a particular focus on molecular tunnel junctions containing mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Through a stepwise approach, the following is provided: a) a summary of the unique (supra)molecular and electronic structural features of mixed SAMs compared to homogeneous SAMs, b) a discussion on fundamental understanding of charge transport across mixed molecular systems, c) a comprehensive summary of functional mixed-molecular tunneling devices, and d) perspectives on the future direction of mixed molecular electronics.