Lund University in Sweden has developed a simple hydrocarbon molecule that can perform a logic gate function similar to transistors. This discovery could lead to the development of molecular-scale electric components in the future. These results were published in Nature Communications.
Research and development are both challenging in manufacturing small components. Transistors are one example: the smaller the transistors, the more efficient and faster our computers will run. Is there a limit on the size of logic gates? Is it possible to make electric machines at a molecular level? A chemistry research group at Lund University has found the answer to this question. We have created a simple hydrocarbon molecule that changes its form and goes from being conductive to insulating when exposed to electricity potential. Daniel Strand, a chemistry researcher at Lund University, says that the successful formula was to create an anti-aromatic ring within a molecule so it can receive and relay electrons. Many organic molecules comprise the aromatic benzene ring, a flat ring of six carbon atoms. Graphene is a simple example. When exposed to an electric potential, these molecules don’t change their properties or shapes. The research team decided to focus on hydrocarbons that are made up of eight carbon atoms. These rings are anti-aromatic and can be bent into a tub shape. Two electrons can be injected into this molecule to cause it to flatten and go from conducting to insulating. This is similar to a transistor switching between 0 and 1.
The unique thing about molecules is their simplicity. Daniel Strand says that the molecules are simple and only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, which makes it easier to synthesize them.”
Researchers can now consider how to create new electrical systems and switch at single-molecule levels using anti-aromatic hydrocarbons.
“Molecules which change in response to electrical potential open up new possibilities.” Daniel Strand concludes that one can envision energy-efficient computer architectures and perhaps electric machines on the molecular level in the future.