Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5424065 | Surface Science | 2009 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
We report on the structural transitions of molecules on metal surfaces by external electrostatic field. An electrode-molecule-electrode model is considered to quantify the effect of electrostatic forces at the molecule-electrode interface. Within a quasi-parallel-plate capacitor approach, this model reveals how external electrostatic fields change the delicate balance between molecule-substrate and molecule-molecule interactions, leading to substantial changes in the molecular conformation. The predictions are validated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) observations of four different molecules and electrode facets. In addition, first-principles simulations verify the results of our model calculations.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemistry
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Authors
W. Guo, S.X. Du, Y.Y. Zhang, W.A. Hofer, C. Seidel, L.F. Chi, H. Fuchs, H.-J. Gao,