Modeling collective charge transport in nanoparticle assemblies

Abstract

Mapping the assembled patterns of nanoparticles onto networks (mathematical graphs) provides a way for quantitative analysis of the structure effects on the physical properties of the assembly. Here we review the network modeling of the conduction with single-electron tunneling mechanisms in the assembled nanoparticle films. Simulations of the conduction predict the nonlinear current-voltage curves in different classes of the nanoparticle networks. Furthermore, the numerical analysis reveals how the I(V) nonlinearity is related to the collective charge fluctuations along the conducting paths through the sample, and stresses the role of the topology and quenched charge disorder.