Nanoionics: A versatile system for constructin

Nanoionics: A versatile system for constructing ion-conducting channels on monolayers

Their goal was to see if the Ag+ ions would coordinate to the deprotonated carboxylic acids, essentially traversing the length of the specified pathway from anode to cathode without the use of an added electrolyte

Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified that the targeted terminal –CH3 groups converted to –COOH without disturbing the other segments of the monolayer. Furthermore, FTIR readings were taken over a period of time while a d.c. voltage of 1 mV to 100 mV was applied. This confirmed that –COOH lost its proton forming the silver carboxylate salt. XPS confirmed that the silver ions followed the carboxylate pathway located between the two electrodes and did not interact with the methyl-terminated molecules. Resistance studies elucidated the transport of ions across channels of varying lengths and widths.


This research demonstrates the ability to tailor ion-conducting conductive channels using constructive lithography on alkyl silane monolayers. This technique is versatile in that the conductive channels may accommodate different mobile ions produced by using different metals can be used for the electrodes.

According to Dr. Sagiv, "This research demonstrates the possible realization of a conceptually new type of generic solid ionic material that may be shaped ion ion-conducting channels with predefined lengths, widths, and trajectories, suitable for planned transport of different selected cations over distances spanning nanoscale-to-macroscale dimensions." Furthermore, he says that the broader implications of this research "are expected to enable fabrication of task-designed ionic circuits and fast ionic switches applicable in future devices based on novel modes of information processing and storage."

http://phys.org/news/2015-04-nanoionics-versa...ayers.html


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