Probing the Molecule−Electrode Interface of Single-Molecule Junctions by Controllable Mechanical Modulations

Presented here is an in-depth study to exploit the molecule−electrode interface effects on electronic transport properties in stabilized molecular junctions under controlled mechanical modulations. By monitoring and analyzing the conductance and force changes corresponding to the modulations, we isolated the effects of both the molecule terminating groups and the different contact configurations on electronic transport properties. The experimental results can be understood by our calculations developed based on simple and straightforward models. The results would be helpful not only to resolve the discrepancies of the recent scanning tunneling microscopy molecular break junction experiment results but also to add new insights into the understanding of the electronic transport mechanisms of molecular junctions.