Electronic property modulation on molecular junctions: Electrochemistry and beyond

This review provides opinions about the recent advances in electronic modulation of molecular junctions by electrochemical and other methods. In the first section, we focus on the modulation of the electrostatic potential on the molecule/ electrolyte interface by the electrochemically induced ion absorption. The second section introduces the electrical responses to electrochemical redox reactions and chelation at the interfaces of molecular junctions on solid state. Meanwhile, the influence of other environmental factors on the electronic properties of molecular junctions is also discussed. These emerging studies show promising strategies for modulating molecular electronic properties by environmental factors and giving extended applications in environmental sensors and functional devices.

Automated summary

This review provides opinions on recent advances in electronic modulation of molecular junctions through electrochemical and other methods. The electrostatic potential on the molecule/electrolyte interface can be modulated by electrochemically induced ion absorption. Additionally, the electrical responses to electrochemical redox reactions and chelation at the interfaces of molecular junctions on solid state are introduced. Other environmental factors that influence the electronic properties of molecular junctions are also discussed. These emerging studies offer promising strategies for modulating the electronic properties of molecules through environmental factors, and have extended applications in environmental sensors and functional devices.