Bistability loss as key feature in azobenzene (non-)switching on metal surfaces

TL;DR

This paper investigates how ground state energetics affect azobenzene's switching ability on coinage metal surfaces, revealing that loss of switching is due to ground state changes rather than excited state quenching, and proposes coadsorbates as a solution.

Contribution

It identifies ground state energetics as a key factor in azobenzene switching loss and suggests coadsorbates to restore switching capabilities.

Findings

Switching loss is due to ground state energy changes.

Excited state quenching is not the primary cause.

Coadsorbates can potentially restore switching function.

Abstract

Coinage metal adsorbed azobenzene is investigated as prototypical molecular switch. It is shown that switching capabilities are not just lost due to excited state quenching, but already due to changes in the ground state energetics. Electron demanding coadsorbates are suggested as strategy to regain the switching function.