6533b86cfe1ef96bd12c8d84

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Nanorings and rods interconnected by self-assembly mimicking an artificial network of neurons

Marta M. D. RamosAndrew StewartEnrique GiménezGustavo A. Zelada-guillénSergey PyrlinSergey PyrlinGerhard MaierMarcin WegrzynArjan W. KleijMartha V. Escárcega-bobadilla

subject

Materials scienceNanostructurePolymersSurface PropertiesEvaporationGeneral Physics and AstronomyNanoparticleNanotechnologyElectronsHardware_PERFORMANCEANDRELIABILITY010402 general chemistry01 natural sciencesGeneral Biochemistry Genetics and Molecular BiologyRodCircuitsCIENCIA DE LOS MATERIALES E INGENIERIA METALURGICAHardware_INTEGRATEDCIRCUITSAnimalsHumansNanotechnologyMolecular circuitsRingsSchiff BasesElectronic circuitNeuronsMultidisciplinaryNanotubes010405 organic chemistryFlowElectric ConductivityArchitecturesGeneral ChemistryEvaporation (deposition)0104 chemical sciencesNanostructuresNanoparticlesSelf-assemblyNeural Networks ComputerPrinciplesHardware_LOGICDESIGNModel

description

[EN] Molecular electronics based on structures ordered as neural networks emerges as the next evolutionary milestone in the construction of nanodevices with unprecedented applications. However, the straightforward formation of geometrically defined and interconnected nanostructures is crucial for the production of electronic circuitry nanoequivalents. Here we report on the molecularly fine-tuned self-assembly of tetrakis-Schiff base compounds into nanosized rings interconnected by unusually large nanorods providing a set of connections that mimic a biological network of neurons. The networks are produced through self-assembly resulting from the molecular conformation and noncovalent intermolecular interactions. These features can be easily generated on flat surfaces and in a polymeric matrix by casting from solution under ambient conditions. The structures can be used to guide the position of electron-transporting agents such as carbon nanotubes on a surface or in a polymer matrix to create electrically conducting networks that can find direct use in constructing nanoelectronic circuits.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2013-11-01
10.1038/ncomms3648https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms3648