Columbia to create a monomolecular diode 50 times faster than the nano-diode

Researchers at Columbia University's School of Engineering have developed a technology that can be used to create single-layer diodes that can be up to 50 times faster than current nanodiodes. The team, led by Latha Venkataraman, an associate professor of applied physics, is perhaps the first team to successfully create a single-molecule diode that can be put to practical use. Details of the paper on this new discovery have been published in the recent issue of Nature Nanotechnology.

Although we have already reported shrinking motherboards, new processors, and microelectronics, we've seen a quantum leap forward.

You know, as early as 1974, there was already a theory that could treat a single molecule as a one-way electrical conductor. Prior to the molecular diode, the use of an asymmetrical structure to introduce asymmetric one-way current.

However, their "current switching ratio" (rectification ratio / rectification ratio) is too low to be considered invalid. Venkataraman's team replaced "molecular asymmetry" with "environmental asymmetry."

That is, the molecular diode is surrounded by an electrolyte (ionic solution) and gold electrodes of various sizes to form an asymmetry at the junction of the molecular environment.

Ultimately, this molecular diode achieves a current of 0.1 microamps - though this may seem modest, the current it passes is quite high for a single molecule.

Venkataraman said the study is easy to reproduce and is expected to be applied to nanodevices such as graphene and carbon nanotubes in the future.

[Compiled From: SlashGear, Source: Nature Nanotechnology, via: Science Daily]