Switching the Conductance of a Molecular Junction using a Proton Transfer Reaction

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A novel mechanism for switching a molecular junction based on a proton transfer reaction triggered by an external electrostatic field is proposed. As a specific example to demonstrate the feasibility of the mechanism, the tautomers [2,5-(4-hydroxypyridine)] and 2,5-[4(1H)-pyridone] are considered. Employing a combination of first-principles electronic structure calculations and Landauer transport theory, we show that both tautomers exhibit very different conductance properties and realize the "on" and "off" states of a molecular switch. Moreover, we provide a proof of principle that both forms can be reversibly converted into each other using an external electrostatic field.