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Realizing nearly-free-electron like conduction band in a molecular film through mediating intermolecular van der Waals interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Xingxia Cui

    (Wuhan University)

  • Ding Han

    (Wuhan University)

  • Hongli Guo

    (Wuhan University)

  • Linwei Zhou

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Jingsi Qiao

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Qing Liu

    (Wuhan University)

  • Zhihao Cui

    (Wuhan University)

  • Yafei Li

    (Wuhan University)

  • Chungwei Lin

    (Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories)

  • Limin Cao

    (Wuhan University)

  • Wei Ji

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Hrvoje Petek

    (University of Pittsburgh)

  • Min Feng

    (Wuhan University
    Wuhan University)

Abstract

Collective molecular physical properties can be enhanced from their intrinsic characteristics by templating at material interfaces. Here we report how a black phosphorous (BP) substrate concatenates a nearly-free-electron (NFE) like conduction band of a C60 monolayer. Scanning tunneling microscopy reveals the C60 lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) band is strongly delocalized in two-dimensions, which is unprecedented for a molecular semiconductor. Experiment and theory show van der Waals forces between C60 and BP reduce the inter-C60 distance and cause mutual orientation, thereby optimizing the π-π wave function overlap and forming the NFE-like band. Electronic structure and carrier mobility calculations predict that the NFE band of C60 acquires an effective mass of 0.53–0.70 me (me is the mass of free electrons), and has carrier mobility of ~200 to 440 cm2V−1s−1. The substrate-mediated intermolecular van der Waals interactions provide a route to enhance charge delocalization in fullerenes and other organic semiconductors.

Suggested Citation

  • Xingxia Cui & Ding Han & Hongli Guo & Linwei Zhou & Jingsi Qiao & Qing Liu & Zhihao Cui & Yafei Li & Chungwei Lin & Limin Cao & Wei Ji & Hrvoje Petek & Min Feng, 2019. "Realizing nearly-free-electron like conduction band in a molecular film through mediating intermolecular van der Waals interactions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-11300-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11300-y
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