Abstract: Techniques for inducing rectification in single-molecule diodes including a symmetric single-molecule adapted to be surrounded by the polar solution. A first electrode can be attached to a first end of the symmetric single-molecule and have a first area adapted for exposure to the polar solution. A second electrode can be attached to a second end of the symmetric single-molecule opposite the first end and have a second area adapted for exposure to the polar solution. The first and second electrodes and the single-molecule can a single-molecule junction, and the first area and second areas of the diodes can differ in size to create an environmental asymmetry. A voltage source can be coupled to the first and second electrodes configured to selectively control the environmental asymmetry and thereby induce current rectification.