Nanocrystals breakthrough
The 'Integrated nanocrystal tunnelling for molecular electronics' (Innate) project studied the properties and capabilities of quantum-size metal nanocrystals as active elements in molecular electronic circuits. Researchers sought to demonstrate their novel electronic functionality for such systems, by focusing on electrolyte gating at electrified solid/liquid interfaces. Following this, the EU-funded team set out to integrate functionality for configuration of a vertical scanning probe microscopy and nanogap electrode setup for nanoelectronic circuit formation. Innate project partners focused on the electrochemical and electronic behaviour of small monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs) of gold. Achievements included a first-time demonstration that well-behaved quantised charging of gold MPCs can be realised in an air- and water-stable room temperature ionic liquid. This is important from a technological point of view: ionic liquids offer near-zero vapour pressure and promising thermal and electrochemical stability. Study of the quantised cluster charging process revealed that electrolyte selection is essential for optimal design of an electrochemical device. Other project experiments indicated the value in taking an electrostatic immobilisation approach for achieving electrostatically stabilised nanocrystals. This is significant for applications in electroanalysis and catalysis. Overall, the Innate project demonstrated the application potential of nanocrystal-mediated tunnelling for molecular electronics. Building on these achievements can enhance electrochemical methodologies in related areas of research and have great socioeconomic impact in the future.
