Interlinking Au nanoparticles in 2D arrays via conjugated dithiolated molecules

We investigate the importance of anchoring end-groups in conjugated oligomers for the formation of molecular junction networks. Oligo(phenylene ethynylene) with a single (OPE-MT) and two (OPE-DT) thiol end-groups have been inserted into self-assembled octanethiol-capped gold nanoparticle arrays by taking advantage of molecular exchange. Comparing the exchange for tens of devices, we observe significantly different final conductances for devices comprising monothiol- and dithiolated compounds. Our experimental results support the picture that OPE-DT covalently bridge neighboring nanoparticles via Au–S bonds at both ends of the conjugated oligomer to form interlinked networks of molecular junctions.