The crossover from two dimensions to one dimension in granular electronic materials

From dynamic self-organization to avalanching instabilities in soft-granular threads

We study the dynamics of threads of monodisperse droplets, including droplet chains and multi-chains, in which the droplets are interconnected by capillary bridges of another immiscible liquid phase. This system represents wet soft-granular matter - a class of granular materials in which the grains are soft and wetted by thin fluid films-with other examples including wet granular hydrogels or foams. In contrast to wet granular matter with rigid grains (e.g., wet sand), studied previously, the deformability of the grains raises the number of available metastable states and facilitates rearrangements which allow for reorganization and self-assembly of the system under external drive, e.g., applied via viscous forces. We use a co-flow configuration to generate a variety of unique low-dimensional regular granular patterns, intermediate between 1D and 2D, ranging from linear chains and chains with periodically occurring folds to multi-chains and segmented structures including chains of finite length. In particular, we observe that the partially folded chains self-organize via limit cycle of displacements and rearrangements occurring at a frequency self-adapted to the rate of build-up of compressive strain in the chain induced by the viscous forces. Upon weakening of the capillary arrest of the droplets, we observe spontaneous fluidization of the quasi-solid structures and avalanches of rearrangements. We identify two types of fluidization-induced instabilities and rationalize them in terms of a competition between advection and propagation. While we use aqueous droplets as the grains we demonstrate that the reported mechanisms of adaptive self-assembly apply to other types of soft granular systems including foams and microgels. We discuss possible application of the reported quasi-1D compartmentalized structures in tissue engineering, bioprinting and materials science.

Core-shell particles in rotating electric and magnetic fields: Designing tunable interactions via particle engineering

Tunable interactions between colloidal particles, governed by external rotating electric or magnetic fields, yield rich capabilities for prospective self-assembly technologies of materials and fundamental particle-resolved studies of phase transitions and transport phenomena in soft matter. However, the role of the internal structure of colloidal particles in the tunable interactions has never been systematically investigated. Here, we study the tunable interactions between composite particles with core-shell structure in a rotating electric field and show that the engineering of their internal structure provides an effective tool for designing the interactions. We generalized an integral theory and studied the tunable interactions between core-shell particles with homogeneous cores (layered particles) and cores with nano-inclusions to reveal the main trends in the interactions influenced by the structure. We found that depending on the materials of the core, shell, and solvent, the interactions with the attractive pairwise part and positive or negative three-body part can be obtained, as well as pairwise repulsion with attractive three-body interactions (for triangular triplets). The latter case is observed for the first time, being unattainable for homogeneous particles but feasible with core-shell particles: Qualitatively similar interactions are inherent to charged colloids (repulsive pairwise and attractive three-body energies), known as a model system of globular proteins. The methods and conclusions of our paper can be generalized for magnetic and 3D colloidal systems. The results make a significant advance in the analysis of tunable interactions in colloidal systems, which are of broad interest in condensed matter, chemical physics, physical chemistry, materials science, and soft matter.

An ultrahigh resolution pressure sensor based on percolative metal nanoparticle arrays

Tunneling conductance among nanoparticle arrays is extremely sensitive to the spacing of nanoparticles and might be applied to fabricate ultra-sensitive sensors. Such sensors are of paramount significance for various application, such as automotive systems and consumer electronics. Here, we represent a sensitive pressure sensor which is composed of a piezoresistive strain transducer fabricated from closely spaced nanoparticle films deposited on a flexible membrane. Benefited from this unique quantum transport mechanism, the thermal noise of the sensor decreases significantly, providing the opportunity for our devices to serve as high-performance pressure sensors with an ultrahigh resolution as fine as about 0.5 Pa and a high sensitivity of 0.13 kPa⁻¹. Moreover, our sensor with such an unprecedented response capability can be operated as a barometric altimeter with an altitude resolution of about 1 m. The outstanding behaviors of our devices make nanoparticle arrays for use as actuation materials for pressure measurement.

Designing reliable piezoresistive pressure sensors based on percolative nanoparticle (NP) arrays remains a challenge. Here, the authors propose a percolative NP array sensor deposited on a flexible membrane with ultra-high sensitivity and resolution by modifying the thickness of the membrane.

Intra- and inter-nanocrystal charge transport in nanocrystal films

The exploitation of semiconductor nanocrystal (NC) films in novel electronic and optoelectronic applications requires a better understanding of charge transport in these systems. Here, we develop a model of charge transport in NC films, based on a generalization of the concept of transport energy level ET to nanocrystal assemblies, which considers both intra- and inter-NC charge transfer processes. We conclude that the role played by each of these processes can be probed from temperature-dependent measurements of charge carrier density n and mobility μ in the same films. The model also enables the determination of the position of the Fermi energy level EF with respect to ET, an important parameter of charge transport in semiconductor materials, from the temperature dependence of n. Moreover, we provide support to an essentially temperature-independent intra-NC charge carrier mobility, considered in the transport level concept, and consequently the frequently observed temperature dependence of the overall mobility μ in NC films results from a temperature variation of the inter-NC charge transport processes. Importantly, we also conclude that the temperature dependence of conductivity in NC films should result in general from a combination of temperature variations of both n and μ. By applying the model to solution-processed Si NC films, we conclude that transport within each NC is similar to that in amorphous Si (a-Si), with charges hopping along band tail states located below the conduction band edge. For Si NCs, we obtain values of ET - EF of ∼0.25 eV. The overall mobility μ in Si NC films is significantly further reduced with respect to that typically found in a-Si due to the additional transport constraints imposed by inter-NC transfer processes inherent to a nanoparticulate film. Our model accounting for inter- and intra-NC charge transport processes provides a simple and more general description of charge transport that can be broadly applied to films of semiconductor NCs.

Fabrication of carbon quantum dots with nano-defined position and pattern in one step via sugar-electron-beam writing

Quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials in nanophotonics, biological imaging, and even quantum computing. Precise positioning and patterning of QDs is a prerequisite for realizing their actual applications. Contrary to the traditional two discrete steps of fabricating and positioning QDs, herein, a novel sugar-electron-beam writing (SEW) method is reported for producing QDs via electron-beam lithography (EBL) that uses a carefully chosen synthetic resist, poly(2-(methacrylamido)glucopyranose) (PMAG). Carbon QDs (CQDs) could be fabricated in situ through electron beam exposure, and the nanoscale position and luminescence intensity of the produced CQDs could be precisely controlled without the assistance of any other fluorescent matter. We have demonstrated that upon combining an electron beam with a glycopolymer, in situ production of CQDs occurs at the electron beam spot center with nanoscale precision at any place and with any patterns, an advancement that we believe will stimulate innovations in future applications.

Precise Assembly of Particles for Zigzag or Linear Patterns

Precise control of particles assembly has tremendous potential for fabricating intricate structures and functional materials. However, it is still a challenge to achieve one-dimensional assembly with precisely controlled morphology. An effective strategy is reported to precisely assemble particles into well-defined patterns by liquid confinement through controlling the viscosity of the assembly system. It is found that high viscosity of the system impedes particles rearrangement and facilitates the generation of zigzag or twined zigzag assembly structures, while low viscosity of the system allows particles to rearrange into linear or zipper structures driven by lowering the surface deformation of the liquid. As a result, precise control of different assembly patterns can be achieved through tuning the viscosity of solvent and size confinement ratios. This facile approach shows generality for particles assembly of different sizes and materials.

Assembly of 1D Granular Structures from Sulfonated Polystyrene Microparticles

Being able to systematically modify the electric properties of nano- and microparticles opens up new possibilities for the bottom-up fabrication of advanced materials such as the fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) colloidal and granular materials. Fabricating 1D structures from individual particles offers plenty of applications ranging from electronic sensors and photovoltaics to artificial flagella for hydrodynamic propulsion. In this work, we demonstrate the assembly of 1D structures composed of individual microparticles with modified electric properties, pulled out of a liquid environment into air. Polystyrene particles were modified by sulfonation for different reaction times and characterized by dielectric spectroscopy and dipolar force measurements. We found that by increasing the sulfonation time, the values of both electrical conductivity and dielectric constant of the particles increase, and that the relaxation frequency of particle electric polarization changes, causing the measured dielectric loss of the particles to shift towards higher frequencies. We attributed these results to water adsorbed at the surface of the particles. With sulfonated polystyrene particles exhibiting a range of electric properties, we showed how the electric properties of individual particles influence the formation of 1D structures. By tuning applied voltage and frequency, we were able to control the formation and dynamics of 1D structures, including chain bending and oscillation.

Inter-cluster distance dependence of electrical properties in single crystals of a mixed-valence polyoxometalate

The electrical conductivity of mixed-valence [MoMoO₅₄(SO₃)₂]^6- tetraalkylammonium salts was investigated through dependence on the inter-cluster distance that is controlled by tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, and tetrabutylammonium cations. The crystallographic analysis of single crystals revealed that the inter-cluster distances are dependent on the chain length of the alkyl groups on the counter cations. In addition, the electrical conductivities of the single crystals were found to be dependent on both temperature and chain length. Mixed-valence polyoxometalate (POM) clusters are considered to be a molecular particle of Mo bronze by which highly ordered networks will be developed using single crystals, where POMs are rather small and have a well-organized structure compared to colloidal nanostructures.

Formation of printable granular and colloidal chains through capillary effects and dielectrophoresis

One-dimensional conductive particle assembly holds promise for a variety of practical applications, in particular for a new generation of electronic devices. However, synthesis of such chains with programmable shapes outside a liquid environment has proven difficult. Here we report a route to simply ‘pull' flexible granular and colloidal chains out of a dispersion by combining field-directed assembly and capillary effects. These chains are automatically stabilized by liquid bridges formed between adjacent particles, without the need for continuous energy input or special particle functionalization. They can further be deposited onto any surface and form desired conductive patterns, potentially applicable to the manufacturing of simple electronic circuits. Various aspects of our route, including the role of particle size and the voltages needed, are studied in detail. Looking towards practical applications, we also present the possibility of two-dimensional writing, rapid solidification of chains and methods to scale up chain production.

Conductive colloidal chains are promising for electronics but difficult to synthesize outside of a liquid environment. Here, the authors use field-directed assembly and capillary effects to pull conductive particle chains out of a suspension, which remain held together by flexible liquid bridges even after the external field is turned off.

Assembly and Electronic Applications of Colloidal Nanomaterials

Artificial solids and thin films assembled from colloidal nanomaterials give rise to versatile properties that can be exploited in a range of technologies. In particular, solution-based processes allow for the large-scale and low-cost production of nanoelectronics on rigid or mechanically flexible substrates. To achieve this goal, several processing steps require careful consideration, including nanomaterial synthesis or exfoliation, purification, separation, assembly, hybrid integration, and device testing. Using a ubiquitous electronic device - the field-effect transistor - as a platform, colloidal nanomaterials in three electronic material categories are reviewed systematically: semiconductors, conductors, and dielectrics. The resulting comparative analysis reveals promising opportunities and remaining challenges for colloidal nanomaterials in electronic applications, thereby providing a roadmap for future research and development.

Stress Wave Propagation in Two-dimensional Buckyball Lattice

Orderly arrayed granular crystals exhibit extraordinary capability to tune stress wave propagation. Granular system of higher dimension renders many more stress wave patterns, showing its great potential for physical and engineering applications. At nanoscale, one-dimensionally arranged buckyball (C60) system has shown the ability to support solitary wave. In this paper, stress wave behaviors of two-dimensional buckyball (C60) lattice are investigated based on square close packing and hexagonal close packing. We show that the square close packed system supports highly directional Nesterenko solitary waves along initially excited chains and hexagonal close packed system tends to distribute the impulse and dissipates impact exponentially. Results of numerical calculations based on a two-dimensional nonlinear spring model are in a good agreement with the results of molecular dynamics simulations. This work enhances the understanding of wave properties and allows manipulations of nanoscale lattice and novel design of shock mitigation and nanoscale energy harvesting devices.

Coulomb blockade based field-effect transistors exploiting stripe-shaped channel geometries of self-assembled metal nanoparticles

Metallic nanoparticles offer possibilities to build basic electric devices with new functionality and improved performance. Due to the small volume and the resulting low self-capacitance, each single nanoparticle exhibits a high charging energy. Thus, a Coulomb-energy gap emerges during transport experiments that can be shifted by electric fields, allowing for charge transport whenever energy levels of neighboring particles match. Hence, the state of the device changes sequentially between conducting and non-conducting instead of just one transition from conducting to pinch-off as in semiconductors. To exploit this behavior for field-effect transistors, it is necessary to use uniform nanoparticles in ordered arrays separated by well-defined tunnel barriers. In this work, CoPt nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution are synthesized by colloidal chemistry. These particles are deposited via the scalable Langmuir-Blodgett technique as ordered, homogeneous monolayers onto Si/SiO2 substrates with pre-patterned gold electrodes. The resulting nanoparticle arrays are limited to stripes of adjustable lengths and widths. In such a defined channel with a limited number of conduction paths the current can be controlled precisely by a gate voltage. Clearly pronounced Coulomb oscillations are observed up to temperatures of 150 K. Using such systems as field-effect transistors yields unprecedented oscillating current modulations with on/off-ratios of around 70%.

Resistive switching of alkanethiolated nanoparticle monolayers patterned by electron-beam exposure

Nanoscale structures are fabricated by the direct electron-beam exposure of 10 nm gold nanoparticle monolayers and development in an emulsion. We observe resistive switching in these structures of up to five orders of magnitude.

Coulomb Blockade in a Two-Dimensional Conductive Polymer Monolayer

Electronic transport was investigated in poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) monolayers. At low temperatures, nonlinear behavior was observed in the current-voltage characteristics, and a nonzero threshold voltage appeared that increased with decreasing temperature. The current-voltage characteristics could be best fitted using a power law. These results suggest that the nonlinear conductivity can be explained using a Coulomb blockade (CB) mechanism. A model is proposed in which an isotropic extended charge state exists, as predicted by quantum calculations, and percolative charge transport occurs within an array of small conductive islands. Using quantitatively evaluated capacitance values for the islands, this model was found to be capable of explaining the observed experimental data. It is, therefore, suggested that percolative charge transport based on the CB effect is a significant factor giving rise to nonlinear conductivity in organic materials.

Dimensionality-dependent charge transport in close-packed nanoparticle arrays: from 2D to 3D

Charge transport properties in close-packed nanoparticle arrays with thickness crossing over from two dimensions to three dimensions have been studied. The dimensionality transition of nanoparticle arrays was realized by continually printing spatially well-defined nanoparticle monolayers on top of the device in situ. The evolution of charge transport properties depending on the dimensionality has been investigated in both the Efros-Shaklovskii variable-range-hopping (ES-VRH) (low temperature) regime and the sequential hopping (SH) (medium temperature) regime. We find that the energy barriers to transport decrease when the thickness of nanoparticle arrays increases from monolayer to multilayers, but start to level off at the thickness of 4–5 monolayers. The energy barriers are characterized by the coefficient β_D at ES-VRH regime and the activation energy E_a at SH regime. Moreover, a turning point for the temperature coefficient of conductance was observed in multilayer nanoparticle arrays at high temperature, which is attributed to the increasing mobility with decreasing temperature of hopping transport in three dimensions.

Dimensional phase transition from an array of 1D Luttinger liquids to a 3D Bose-Einstein condensate

We study the thermodynamic properties of a 2D array of coupled one-dimensional Bose gases. The system is realized with ultracold bosonic atoms loaded in the potential tubes of a two-dimensional optical lattice. For negligible coupling strength, each tube is an independent weakly interacting 1D Bose gas featuring Tomonaga Luttinger liquid behavior. By decreasing the lattice depth, we increase the coupling strength between the 1D gases and allow for the phase transition into a 3D condensate. We extract the phase diagram for such a system and compare our results with theoretical predictions. Because of the high effective mass across the periodic potential and the increased 1D interaction strength, the phase transition is shifted to large positive values of the chemical potential. Our results are prototypical to a variety of low-dimensional systems, where the coupling between the subsystems is realized in a higher spatial dimension such as coupled spin chains in magnetic insulators.

A general strategy for assembling nanoparticles in one dimension

Alignment of 1D assemblies of a wide variety of nanoparticles (e.g., metal, metal oxide, semiconductor quantum dots, or organic microspheres) in one direction upon diverse substrates (including industrial silicon wafers and transparent glass plates) by a general strategy is demonstrated. This sandwich method provides an efficient way of rapidly and precisely assembling nanoparticles on a large scale (up to 10 cm × 10 cm) for device applications.

Gold nanoparticle assemblies stabilized by bis(phthalocyaninato)lanthanide(III) complexes through van der Waals interactions

Gold nanoparticle assemblies possess diverse application potential, ranging from industrial nanotechnology to medical biotechnology. Because the structures and properties of assemblies are directly affected by the stabilization mechanism between the organic molecules serving as protecting ligands and the gold nanoparticle surface, it is crucial to find and investigate new stabilization mechanisms. Here, we report that π-conjugated phthalocyanine rings can serve as stabilizing ligands for gold nanoparticles. Bis(phthalocyaninato)lutetium(III) (LuPc₂) or bis(phthalocyaninato)terbium(III) (TbPc₂), even though complex, do not have specific binding units and stabilize gold nanoparticles through van der Waals interaction between parallel adsorbed phthalocyanine ligands and the gold nanoparticle surface. AC magnetic measurements and the electron-transport properties of the assemblies give direct evidence that the phthalocyanines are isolated from each other. Each nanoparticle shows weak electronic coupling despite the short internanoparticle distance (~1 nm), suggesting Efros–Shklovskii-type variable-range hopping and collective single-electron tunnelling behaviours.

Nanocrystal shape and nanojunction effects on electron transport in nanocrystal-assembled bulks

Bulk nanostructured materials are made from the assembly of octahedral PbSe nanocrystals. After thermal annealing, the artificial bulk demonstrates a large difference in behavior depending on the temperature, and a large variation of room-temperature resistivity of up to seven orders of magnitude. This variation originates from the high-indexed sharp edges of the octahedral nanocrystals. As the nanocrystals are arranged in the edge-to-edge configuration, which was observed in scanning electron microscopy images, the inter-nanocrystal capacitance is small due to the small parallel area between the nanocrystals. The small capacitance results in a high thermal fluctuation voltage and drives electron transport. The temperature-dependent resistivity and the electric field-dependent current are highly in agreement with the model of fluctuation-induced tunneling conduction. Thermal annealing reduces the inter-nanocrystal separation distance, creating a large variation in the electrical properties. Specifically, octahedral-shaped PbSe nanocrystals are employed in tailoring the electron transport in bulk nanostructured materials.

Room-temperature tunneling behavior of boron nitride nanotubes functionalized with gold quantum dots

One-dimensional arrays of gold quantum dots (QDs) on insulating boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can form conduction channels of tunneling field-effect transistors. We demonstrate that tunneling currents can be modulated at room temperature by tuning the lengths of QD-BNNTs and the gate potentials. Our discovery will inspire the creative use of nanostructured metals and insulators for future electronic devices.

Imaging electroluminescence from individual nanoparticles in an array exhibiting room temperature single electron effect

Electroluminescence (EL) from the monolayer of a network of a one-dimensional (1D) necklace of 10 nm Au particles (nano)cemented by CdS is imaged. The EL and photoluminescence (PL) spectra confirm the emission from CdS. The EL emission blinks and is highly specular. The position of the speckles from individual CdS cement sites is independent of magnitude and polarity of the applied bias. The EL is explained by field-assisted ionization of the cement due to high internal fields in the array caused by stationary local charging that also leads to robust single electron effect at room temperature.

Controlled placement of colloidal quantum dots in sub-15 nm clusters

We demonstrated a technique to control the placement of 6 nm-diameter CdSe and 5 nm-diameter CdSe/CdZnS colloidal quantum dots (QDs) through electron-beam lithography. This QD-placement technique resulted in an average of three QDs in each cluster, and 87% of the templated sites were occupied by at least one QD. These QD clusters could be in close proximity to one another, with a minimum separation of 12 nm. Photoluminescence measurements of the fabricated QD clusters showed intermittent photoluminescence, which indicates that the QDs were optically active after the fabrication process. This optimized top-down lithographic process is a step towards the integration of individual QDs in optoelectronic and nano-optical systems.

Silicon nanowire charge-trap memory incorporating self-assembled iron oxide quantum dots

Charge-trap non-volatile memory devices based upon the precise integration of quantum dot storage elements with silicon nanowire field-effect transistors are described. Template-assisted assembly yields an ordered array of FeO QDs within the trenches that separate highly aligned SiNWs, and injected charges are reversibly stored via Fowler-Nordheim tunneling into the QDs. Stored charges shift the transistor threshold voltages, providing the basis for a memory device. Quantum dot size is found to strongly influence memory performance metrics.

Gold nanoparticle-modulated conductivity in gold peapodded silica nanowires

We report the enhanced electrical conductivity properties of single gold-peapodded amorphous silica nanowires synthesized using microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Dark conductivity of the gold-peapodded silica nanowires can be adjusted by controlling the number of incorporated metal nanoparticles. The temperature-dependent conductivity measurement reveals that the band tail hopping mechanism dominates the electron transport in the gold-peapodded silica nanowires. The high conductivity in the nano-peapodded nanowires with more embedded gold-nanoparticles can be explained by the higher density of hopping states and shorter hopping distance. These Au-embedded amorphous silica nanowires have provided a new approach to enhance not only the electron conduction, but also the chemical-sensor response/sensitivity.

Patterned close-packed nanoparticle arrays with controllable dimensions and precise locations

Patterned close-packed nanoparticle arrays are fabricated using lithography and self-assembly. Microcontact printing is used to selectively transfer ordered nanoparticle monolayers, which are self-assembled at the air/water interface, onto relief structures, which are defined lithographically. The morphology and position of the nanoparticle arrays are determined by the relief structures, while the internal order of the arrays is achieved through the self-assembly process and is maintained during the transfer.

Crystalline Gibbs monolayers of DNA-capped nanoparticles at the air-liquid interface

Using grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering in a special configuration (parallel SAXS, or parSAXS), we mapped the crystallization of DNA-capped nanoparticles across a sessile droplet, revealing the formation of crystalline Gibbs monolayers of DNA-capped nanoparticles at the air-liquid interface. We showed that the spatial crystallization can be regulated by adjusting both ionic strength and DNA sequence length and that a modified form of the Daoud-Cotton model could describe and predict the resulting changes in interparticle spacing. Gibbs monolayers at the air-liquid interface provide an ideal platform for the formation and study of equilibrium nanostructures and may afford exciting routes toward the design of programmable 2D plasmonic materials and metamaterials.

Highly tunable self-assembled nanostructures from a poly(2-vinylpyridine-b-dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer

An extraordinarily large degree of tunability in geometry and dimension is demonstrated in films of a self-assembled block copolymer. A poly(2-vinylpyridine-b-dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer with highly incompatible blocks was spun-cast on patterned substrates and treated with various solvent vapors. The degree of selective swelling in the poly(2-vinylpyridine) matrix block could be controlled over an extensive range, leading to the formation of various microdomain morphologies such as spheres, cylinders, hexagonally perforated lamellae, and lamellae from the same block copolymer. The systematic control of swelling ratio and the choice of solvent vapors offer the unusual ability to control the width of very well-ordered linear features within a range between 6 and 31 nm. This methodology is particularly useful for nanolithography based on directed self-assembly in that a single block copolymer film can form microdomains with a broad range of geometries and sizes without the need to change molecular weight or volume fraction.

Ionic liquid-assisted direct synthesis of PdO nanoparticles immobilized on boehmite nanoparticles

We demonstrated a simple route to simultaneously synthesize PdO and boehmite nanoparticles, and to directly immobilize the former on the latter using an ionic liquid (IL)-assisted one-pot solution method. PdO nanoparticles were directly immobilized on boehmite nanoparticles, and their amount and distribution were controlled by the stoichiometry of the mixture. In particular, γ-alumina nanofibers, which were topochemically transformed from boehmites, exhibited lengths of ca. 40-70 nm and diameters of ca. 1.5-3 nm, while PdO nanoparticles had diameters of ca. 2-4 nm. The nanocrystalline structures of the PdO nanoparticles immobilized on the boehmite nanoparticles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and (27)Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The one-step synthetic method described herein allows for the design and fabrication of host-guest systems of inorganic or metallic nanomaterials with hetero-nanostructures.

ZnSe nanotrenches: formation mechanism and its role as a 1D template

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructures of ZnSe nanotrenches induced by mobile Au-alloy droplets. The contact side interfaces between the AuZnδ alloy droplets and the ZnSe as well as the four side walls of the resulting <011>-oriented nanotrenches were found all belong to the {111} plane family, with the front and back walls being the {111}A planes while the other two side walls being the {111}B planes. These findings offer a deeper understanding on the formation mechanism of the nanotrenches. Pure Au nanodashes were formed upon further deposition of Au on the nanotrenches.PACS: 61.46.Df, Structure of nanocrystals and nanoparticles. 81.16.Rf, Micro and nanoscale pattern formation. 68.37.Og, High resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Edge effect on resistance scaling rules in graphene nanostructures

We report an experimental investigation of the edge effect on the room-temperature transport in graphene nanoribbon and graphene sheet (both single-layer and bilayer). By measuring the resistance scaling behaviors at both low- and high-carrier densities, we show that the transport of single-layer nanoribbons lies in a strong localization regime, which can be attributed to an edge effect. We find that this edge effect can be weakened by enlarging the width, decreasing the carrier densities, or adding an extra layer. From graphene nanoribbon to graphene sheet, the data show a dimensional crossover of the transport regimes possibly due to the drastic change of the edge effect.

Metal nanoparticle wires formed by an integrated nanomolding-chemical assembly process: fabrication and properties

We report here the use of nanomolding in capillaries (NAMIC) coupled with dithiocarbamate (DTC) chemistry to fabricate sub-50 nm quasi-1D arrays of 3.5 nm core gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) over large areas. Owing to chemical immobilization via the DTC bond, the patterned NP systems are stable in water and organic solvents, thus allowing the surface modification of the patterned Au NP arrays through thiol chemistry and further orthogonal binding of proteins. The electrical properties of these patterned Au NP wires have also been studied. Our results show that NAMIC combined with surface chemistry is a simple but powerful tool to create metal NP arrays that can potentially be applied to fabricate nanoelectronic or biosensing devices.

Mott and Efros-Shklovskii variable range hopping in CdSe quantum dots films

The model of variable range hopping conductivity predicts a crossover between Mott and Efros-Shklovskii as a function of temperature and density of states. This is observed using monodispersed CdSe colloidal quantum dot 3D solids where the density of states at the Fermi level is varied by electrochemistry. At low density of states, both below the lowest state (<0.4e(-)/dot) and in the conductivity gap between the first and second state (2e(-)/dot), the temperature dependence of the conductivity shows the 1/4 exponent of Mott hopping. At other fillings up to 6e(-)/dot, the conductivity shows the 1/2 exponent of Efros-Shklovskii hopping. The non-Ohmic conductivity is also found to be explained quantitatively by the variable range hopping model.