Strained arrays of colloidal nanoparticles: conductance and magnetoresistance enhancement

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.