Structure and electrical properties of an assembly of Au nanoclusters

G. Muralidharan, L. Maya, T. Thundat

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Conduction through an assembly of nanosized clusters coupled by tunneling barriers is of significant interest both for understanding the fundamental physics involved and for potential applications. In this study, we describe a technique for preparing relatively large (dimensions of a few 100 μm to a few mm in size) monolayer films consisting of 3 nm diameter Au clusters coated with mercaptododecanoic acid, using low molecular weight-polymers as coupling agents. Electrical measurements of the assembly show non-linear characteristics. Below a certain threshold voltage, the current does not vary with an increase in voltage. Above this threshold voltage, current increases with voltage and can be described by a power-law relationship with an exponent close to unity. These characteristics of the I-V curve are discussed with specific reference to theoretical studies on conduction through an array of capacitance-coupled metallic islands and previous experimental results in similar systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)C121-C126
JournalMaterials Research Society Symposium - Proceedings
Volume635
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
EventAnisotropic Nanoparticles-Synthesis, Characterization and Applications - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Nov 27 2000Nov 29 2000

Funding

This work was supported by an ORNL LDRD fund. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. Dept. of Energy under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

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