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Biomedical subjects

J M Tour

Publications and source records attributed to J M Tour.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes by electrochemical reduction of aryl diazonium salts: a bucky paper electrode.

Small-diameter (ca. 0.7 nm) single-wall carbon nanotubes are predicted to display enhanced reactivity relative to larger-diameter nanotubes due to increased curvature strain. The derivatization of these small-diameter nanotubes via electrochemical reduction of a variety of aryl diazonium salts is described. The estimated degree of functionalization is as high as one out of every 20 carbons in the nanotubes bearing a functionalized moiety. The functionalizing moieties can be removed by heating in an argon atmosphere. Nanotubes derivatized with a 4-tert-butylbenzene moiety were found to possess significantly improved solubility in organic solvents. Functionalization of the nanotubes with a molecular system that has exhibited switching and memory behavior is shown. This represents the marriage of wire-like nanotubes with molecular electronic devices.

Journal Article↗

Conductance switching in single molecules through conformational changes.

We tracked over time the conductance switching of single and bundled phenylene ethynylene oligomers isolated in matrices of alkanethiolate monolayers. The persistence times for isolated and bundled molecules in either the ON or OFF switch state range from seconds to tens of hours. When the surrounding matrix is well ordered, the rate at which the inserted molecules switch is low. Conversely, when the surrounding matrix is poorly ordered, the inserted molecules switch more often. We conclude that the switching is a result of conformational changes in the molecules or bundles, rather than electrostatic effects of charge transfer.

Journal Article↗

Molecular electronics. Synthesis and testing of components.

Molecular electronics involves the use of single or small packets of molecules as the fundamental units for computing. While initial targets are the substitution of solid-state wires and devices with molecules, long-range goals involve the development of novel addressable electronic properties from molecules. A comparison of traditional solid-state devices to molecular systems is described. Issues of cost and ease of manufacture are outlined, along with the syntheses and testing of molecular wires and devices.

Computer Systems↗