Porphyrins as building blocks for single-molecule devices

Direct measurement of single-molecule electrical transparency by break junction experiments has become a major field of research over the two last decades. This review specifically and comprehensively highlights the use of porphyrins as molecular components and discusses their potential use for the construction of future devices. Throughout the review, the features provided by porphyrins, such as low level misalignments and very low attenuation factors, are shown with numerous examples, illustrating the potential and limitations of these molecular junctions, as well as differences emerging from applied integration/investigation techniques.

Automated summary

The review highlights the direct measurement of single-molecule electrical transparency by break junction experiments, focusing on the use of porphyrins as molecular components and their potential for future device construction. Various examples illustrate the features provided by porphyrins, such as low level misalignments and very low attenuation factors, showcasing the potential and limitations of these molecular junctions.