Nano-scale protonic rectifier

The work describes a new approach to the molecular electronics: nano-scale protonic rectifier. The concept and experimental results are presented and discussed. We have developed a method to fabricate nano-scale protonic devices. Self-assembled monomolecular layer of 3-marcaptopropionic acid (MPA) has been spread onto a gold covered glass plate, then the second layer was formed with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and stabilised by condensation triethoxysilil ends. The structure and electrical properties of the complex layer were examined with scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). We found a strong asymmetry of the I–V characteristic owing to rectifying behaviour of the layer. This is the first protonic rectifier of a nanometer thickness.