Researchers Create Molecule That Can Pave Way for Mini-Transistors

Manufacturing incredibly smaller parts is an crucial obstacle in both equally analysis and advancement. 1 example is transistors – the lesser they are, the more rapidly and far more electrical power efficient our computer systems turn into. But is there a limit to how compact logic gates can come to be? And is it doable to create electric powered equipment on a molecular scale? Of course, most likely, is the solution from a chemistry investigate team at Lund University.

“We have designed a simple hydrocarbon molecule that changes its form, and at the exact same time goes from insulating to conductive, when exposed to electric potential. The effective formulation was to layout a so-named anti-aromatic ring in a molecule so that it becomes a lot more strong and can both equally get and relay electrons,” claims Daniel Strand, chemistry researcher at Lund College.

Illustration of electrons transferred among fragrant and non-aromatic rings in a hydrocarbon molecule. Credit: Daniel Strand/Jonas Ahlstedt

Numerous organic molecules consist of fragrant benzene rings, ie flat rings made up of 6 carbon atoms. A simple example is DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28384-8

The examine was an interdisciplinary collaboration amongst analysis groups in natural, analytical, and theoretical chemistry as nicely as chemical physics at Lund College and the College of Copenhagen.