Towards Responsive Single-Molecule Device

Single-molecule devices, which are fabricated by the single molecule bridged through electrodes, provide a promising approach to investigate the intrinsic chemical or physical properties of individual molecules. Beyond the studies of single-molecule wires, a large number of responsive single-molecule junctions or devices with unique chemical or physical properties have been designed and fabricated by introducing the external field, which further offers the chance to explore conductive materials at the molecular level. Here, we summarized the latest studies on the behaviors of single-molecule devices based on the photon, thermal, electric, or magnetic responses, and discussed the development of responsive single-molecule devices in prospect.

Automated summary

Single-molecule devices, fabricated by bridging a single molecule through electrodes, offer a promising approach for studying the intrinsic chemical or physical properties of individual molecules. In addition to single-molecule wires, a variety of responsive single-molecule junctions or devices with unique properties have been designed by introducing external fields, providing opportunities for exploring conductive materials at the molecular level. This review summarizes recent studies on the behavior of single-molecule devices based on photon, thermal, electric, or magnetic responses and discusses the future development of responsive single-molecule devices.