Sheathed Molecular Junctions for Unambiguous Determination of Charge‐Transport Properties

Future applications of single-molecular and large-surface area molecular devices require a thorough understanding control junctions, interfacial phenomena, intermolecular interactions. In this contribution the concept single-molecule junction host-guest complexation to sheath benchmark wire–namely 4,4′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))dianiline – with an insulating cage, pillar[5]arene 1,4-diethoxy-2-ethyl-5-methylbenzene is presented. The insertion one guest wire into host probed by 1H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), whilst self-assembly capabilities amine-terminated remain intact after as demonstrated XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) AFM (atomic force microscopy). Encapsulation prevents formation π- π stacked dimers permits determination true single molecule conductance increased accuracy confidence, here using STM–BJ technique (scanning tunneling microscopy– break junction). This strategy opens new avenues in properties demonstrates pillararenes for future construction arrays encapsulated functional units devices.