Switching of Current Rectification Ratios within a Single Nanocrystal by Facet-Resolved Electrical Wiring

Abstract

Here we show that within a single polyhedral metal oxide nanoparticle a nanometer-scale lateral or vertical sliding of a small metal top contact ( e. g., <50 nm) leads to a 10-fold change in current rectification ratios. Electron tunneling imaging and constant-force current-potential analysis in atomic force microscopy demonstrate that within an individual p-n rectifier (a CuO nanocrystal on silicon) the degree of current asymmetry can be modulated predictably by a set of geometric considerations. We demonstrate the concept of a single nanoscale entity displaying an in-built range of discrete electrical signatures and address fundamental questions in the direction of "landing" contacts in single-particle diodes. This concept is scalable to large 2D arrays, up to millimeters in size, with implications in the design and understanding of nanoparticle circuitry.

A Hybrid Artificial Photocatalysis System Splits Atmospheric Water for Simultaneous Dehumidification and Power Generation

“…Cubic phase Cu 2 O is chosen as a model photocatalytic/ photo-electrocatalytic system due to its desirable photon absorption characteristics and ideal energy band structure for water reduction/oxidation. [28,29] The efficiency of water splitting with hydrogen/oxygen evolution in a distinctive exposed crystal plane is decided by the demand of surface reaction energy. So, designing multiexposed crystal planes with semiconductor is key to improving the water splitting based on a nanoparticle.…”

Chemically modified nanofoci unifying plasmonics and catalysis

“…[29][30][31] A method based on combined optical-electrochemical processes has been reported for in situ growth of NP patterns. 43,44 However, it is difficult to achieve spacing control with nanometer accuracy. We developed a facile and highly efficient Ag ion soldering (AIS) strategy to make subnm-gapped nanofoci.…”

Patterning Cu nanostructures tailored for CO2 reduction to electrooxidizable fuels and oxygen reduction in alkaline media

“…The inuence of facet-dependent conductivity on chemical kinetics cannot be excluded. 86 The increase of roughness of Cu deposits in the presence of Cl À anions was recently reported by Suzuki et al 87 The electrodeposition of Cu on glassy carbon (GC) from a solution containing Cu-Cl complexes also produces CuNSs with numerous edges and corners (Fig. 3g).…”