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

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.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure