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Why are cluster-based molecular electronics considered a possible route to very small microcircuits?

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cluster Figure 1: The four stable geometric structures of the seven-atom cluster of argon, in order of increasing energy: (A) A pentagonal bipyramid. (B) A regular octahedron with one face capped by the seventh atom. (C) A regular tetrahedron with three of its faces capped by other atoms. (D) A trigonal bipyramid with two of its faces capped by other atoms; although this has the highest energy of the four structures, it is very close in energy to the tricapped tetrahedron.

Cluster-based molecular electronics are considered a promising route to developing extremely small microcircuits because these clusters can be engineered to possess electrical properties similar to those of transistors.1

By constructing clusters with these specific electronic characteristics, researchers aim to pack them together to create integrated circuits that are significantly smaller than any currently produced. Because clusters exist in a finely divided state between bulk and molecular matter, they exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that can be leveraged for such advanced applications.1

However, it is important to note that these applications remain theoretical and have not yet been realized. The field continues to face significant challenges, including the difficulty of wiring up molecules that are only a few nanometres in size and the ongoing need to better understand electrical transport through these single-molecule systems.12