title: Nanorings and rods interconnected by self-assembly mimicking an artificial network of neurons.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 1] Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Av. Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain [2].
authors.forename: Martha V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Escárcega-Bobadilla
authors.forename: Gustavo A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Zelada-Guillén
authors.forename: Sergey V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Pyrlin
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wegrzyn
authors.forename: Marta M D
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giménez
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maier
authors.forename: Arjan W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Kleij
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004583:Electrons; D006801:Humans; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011108:Polymers; D012545:Schiff Bases / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D012545:Schiff Bases