Metal complexes and 2D materials like graphene were combined to produce structures that can function as sensors. Using spin crossover materials, both in bulk single crystal form and in thin layer... Show moreMetal complexes and 2D materials like graphene were combined to produce structures that can function as sensors. Using spin crossover materials, both in bulk single crystal form and in thin layer form, graphene-based electronic sensors were produced and characterized that can detect spin switches in the spin crossover materials. At the same time, the light-activatable ruthenium complexes were researched for their application in sensors that can monitor reactions that were triggered by light. We found that the photoreaction of a ruthenium complex with a nucleobase could be triggered in paper-based graphene devices. Moreover, we found that this ruthenium scaffold could also be used to increase the signal strength in a nanopore-based DNA detection system. Lastly, a ruthenium complex was designed that had a sensing function built in, as a dual-function molecule with a sensing and anticancer function. Overall, combining metal complexes with graphene was found to be a successful strategy to produce hybrid structures for sensing. Show less
For more than 65 years, scientists have been fascinated by the idea to miniaturize electrical circuits toward the smallest length scales. One particular way is inspired by nature itself,... Show moreFor more than 65 years, scientists have been fascinated by the idea to miniaturize electrical circuits toward the smallest length scales. One particular way is inspired by nature itself, specifically to assemble electrical components and switches from atoms and molecules. The molecules typically used have dimensions of the scale of a few nanometers (1 nanometer = 0,000000001 meter). The scientific research area that represents the study of electrical currents through molecules is called "molecular charge transport" or "molecular electronics". In this thesis, I have performed fundamental research on charge transport through various molecules. Specifically, I have investigated a special type of molecule that has the ability to change its spin state. To test these functional molecules, I have used a more robust type of molecular device that enables me to bridge the size gap mentioned above. This thesis has led to two important new insights. First, the properties of a switchable molecular device can be strongly enhanced artificially by making use of a charge transport mechanism called multiple inelastic cotunneling. Second, we show that the spin transition phenomenon can take place in a molecular-nanoparticle ensemble. Show less
