Bis(terpyridine)iron(II) Complex Wires with a Bithiophene Linker for Superior Long-range Electron Transport

Abstract

Fabrication of bis(terpyridine)iron(II) complex wires by introduction of a bithiophene-linked bridging ligand (L_BT) on the Au(111) surface is discussed. A comparative study revealed a very small energy gap between the HOMOs of Fe(tpy)₂ and L_BT indicating relatively strong electronic coupling and better electron-transport ability. By cyclic voltammetry and potential step chronoamperometric measurements, the small attenuation factor (β^d = 0.010 ± 0.004 Å⁻¹) was witnessed.