Strained arrays of colloidal nanoparticles: Conductance and magnetoresistance enhancement

Rybchenko, Sergey I; Dyab, Amro K F; Haywood, Stephanie K; Itskevich, Igor E; Paunov, Vesselin N

Abstract

Colloidal nanoparticles are very popular as building blocks of functional arrays for electronic and optical applications. However, there is a problem in achieving electrical conductivity in such nanoarrays due to their molecular shells. These shells, which are inherent to colloidal particles, physically separate the nanoparticles in an array and act as very effective insulators. Post-assembly thinning of the shells is therefore required to enhance the array conductivity to a sensible value. Here, we introduce a conceptually new approach to the thinning, using compressive stress applied to the array by the supporting matrix. The stress arises from polymerization-induced shrinkage of the matrix as an integral step during device assembly. Using arrays of oleic-acid-covered magnetite nanoparticles in conjunction with an HDDA-polymer (HDDA: 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate) matrix, we have achieved a significant steady current in the array along with an unprecedented value of the magnetoresistance. Our results serve as a proof-of-concept for other colloidal nanoparticles.

Citation

Rybchenko, S. I., Dyab, A. K. F., Haywood, S. K., Itskevich, I. E., & Paunov, V. N. (2009). Strained arrays of colloidal nanoparticles: Conductance and magnetoresistance enhancement. Nanotechnology, 20(42), Article ARTN 425607. https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/20/42/425607

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 3, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Sep 25, 2009
• Publication Date: Oct 21, 2009
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Nanotechnology
• Print ISSN: 0957-4484
• Electronic ISSN: 1361-6528
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 42
• Article Number: ARTN 425607
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/20/42/425607
• Keywords: Mechanical Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; General Materials Science; Mechanics of Materials; Bioengineering; General Chemistry
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/461317
• Publisher URL: http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0957-4484/20/42/425607