Scientists have made a breakthrough in molecular electronics by controlling the conductivity of molecules on a single atom. This innovation allows for the creation of ultra-small and efficient devices, requiring less energy to power and producing less heat than conventional transistors.
Researchers found that molecules' apparent on-off conductivity was due to a weak bond with the gold surface, breaking contact and turning electrical connection off. The team confirmed this finding through experiments at varying temperatures, ruling out other explanations.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have successfully made boron nanowhiskers, the world's first crystalline nanowires, exhibiting semiconducting behavior and potential as key materials in nanoelectronics. The discovery could lead to the development of more reliable conductors, solving limitations faced by carbon nanotubes.