ELECTRONIC CONDUCTION THROUGH 2D ARRAYS OF NANOMETER DIAMETER METAL-CLUSTERS

An experimental study of electrical conduction through arrays of nanom eter-diameter metallic clusters linked by organic molecules is present ed. Gold clusters, having diameters of similar to 4 nm and encapsulate d by a monolayer of dodecanethiol, are deposited from solution on to s pecially prepared substrates to form a close-packed cluster monolayer. Nearest-neighbors in this 2D array of encapsulated clusters are then covalently linked using a conjugated organic molecule approximately 2. 2 nm in length having isocyanide groups at both ends. In order to allo w both electrical characterization and TEM imaging, the duster arrays are deposited in 500 nm wide gaps between gold contacts on a free stan ding, insulating SiO2 film. Electronic conduction through linked 2D ar rays approximately 80 clusters in length has been observed at room tem perature. The structure of the arrays and current-voltage: relationshi ps for the linked arrays are presented.