Electronic transport in self-assembled alkanethiol monolayers

Electron tunneling through self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols is investigated. Temperature-dependent current–voltage measurements are performed to distinguish between different conduction mechanisms. Temperature-independent electron transport is observed, proving direct tunneling as the dominant conduction mechanism of alkanethiols. An exponential dependence of tunneling current on molecule length is observed. Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy results are reported.