Electron Transport in Two-Dimensional Arrays of Gold Nanocrystals Investigated by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

• Published in: Journal of the American Chemical Society Vol. 126; no. 22; pp. 7126 - 7132
• Main Authors: Liljeroth, Peter, Vanmaekelbergh, Daniël, Ruiz, Virginia, Kontturi, Kyösti, Jiang, Hua, Kauppinen, Esko, Quinn, Bernadette M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 09-06-2004
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Conductivity of specific materials; Electronic transport in condensed matter; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; Polymers; organic compounds (including organic semiconductors); Scanning electron microscopy; Gold; Liquid solid interface; Electrical conductivity; Electrical properties; Electrochemical method; Alkanethiol; Experimental study; Metal particle; Langmuir isotherm; Transition elements; Monolayers; Organic compounds
• ISSN: 0002-7863; 1520-5126
• DOI: 10.1021/ja0493188

This article reports the use of the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) to investigate the electronic properties of Langmuir monolayers of alkane thiol protected gold nanocrystals (NCs). A substantial increase in monolayer conductivity upon mechanical compression of the Au NC monolayer is reported for the first time. This may be the room temperature signature of the insulator to metal transition previously reported for comparable silver NC monolayers. Factors influencing the conductivity of the monolayer NC array are discussed.