SELF-ASSEMBLED GOLD NANOPARTICLE THIN-FILMS WITH NONMETALLIC OPTICAL AND ELECTRONIC-PROPERTIES

Self-assembled multilayer thin films consisting of alternating layers of similar to 6-nm Au nanoparticles and alpha,omega-dithiols have been prepared on glass substrates. They have been studied by UV/Vis spectr oscopy, ellipsometry, scanning tunneling microscopy, and temperature-d ependent conductivity measurements. The electronic and optical propert ies of the thin film material are nonmetallic, and the Au particles ma intain their individual character without fusion to larger units. Elec tronic conduction within the films occurs via activated electron hoppi ng.