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Supramolecular Semiconductivity through Emerging Ionic Gates in Ion-Nanoparticle Superlattices
Chiara Lionello1, Claudio Perego2, Andrea Gardin1
1Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy.
ACS Nano
|December 22, 2022
Summary
Colloidal superlattices exhibit semiconductor-like behavior. Molecular simulations show ionic gates opening under electric fields, mimicking semiconductor conductivity in these nanoparticle assemblies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Nanoparticle self-assembly can create superlattices with material-like properties.
- The resemblance of supramolecular crystal properties to atomic materials is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate semiconductor-like behavior in colloidal superlattices using simulations.
- To investigate the mechanism of conductivity in nanoparticle assemblies.
Main Methods:
- Coarse-grained molecular simulations of gold nanoparticles and citrate ions.
- In silico ohmic experiments applying electric fields.
Main Results:
- Gold nanoparticle-FCC superlattices were simulated.
- Dynamically diverse ion behavior enabled conductive ionic gates above threshold electric fields.
- A binary conductive/nonconductive response, akin to semiconductors, was observed.
Conclusions:
- Colloidal superlattices can exhibit semiconductor-like electronic properties.
- Ionic diffusion across a 'band gap' is triggered by electrostatic stimuli, enabling conductivity.
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