Branched wires of CdTe nanocrystals using amphiphilic molecules as templates

Zhang L, Gaponik N, Müller J, Plate U, Weller H, Erker G, Fuchs H, Rogach AL, Chi LF

Abstract

One-dimensional wires with widths of several nanometers and lengths of several micrometers are a technologically relevant structural motif as connectors in future electronic devices. By means of an interfacial assembly process at the air-water interface, water-soluble luminescent CdTe nanocrystals were assembled into branched wires. Organic molecular aggregates (see image) formed in Langmuir monolayers are used as templates to organize the nanocrystals.