Clustering effects on discontinuous gold film NanoCells

Reproducible negative differential resistance (NDR)-like switching behavior is observed in NanoCells. This behavior is attributed to the formation of filaments and clusters between the discontinuous gold films. Control experiments are performed by self-assembly of insulating molecules between the gold islands and conducting molecules on these islands. Additional control experiments are performed by removing the filaments and clusters between islands using a piranha bath. The results are consistent with theoretical predictions and extend the domain of molecular electronics based in organic molecules to include nanosized clusters as active units. This facilitates a scenario where synthetically accessible organic molecules, with defined characteristics, can be adjusted by metallic nanoclusters as an in situ fine-tuning element, able to compensate for the lack of addressing in the nanosize regime.