Synergismin binary nanocrystal superlattices leads to enhanced p-type conductivity in self-assembled PbTe/Ag2 Te thin films

The ordered cocrystallization of nanoparticles into binary superlattices enables close contact of nanocrystals with distinct physical properties, providing a route to 'metamaterials' design. Here we present the first electronic measurements of multicomponent nanocrystal solids composed of PbTe and Ag2Te, demonstrating synergistic effects leading to enhanced p-type conductivity. First, syntheses of size-tuneable PbTe and Ag2Te nanocrystals are presented, along with deposition as thin-film nanocrystal solids, whose electronic transport properties are characterized. Next, assembly of PbTe and Ag2Te nanocrystals into AB binary nanocrystal superlattices is demonstrated. Furthermore, binary composites of varying PbTe-Ag2Te stoichiometry (1: 1 and 5: 1) are prepared and electronically characterized. These composites show strongly enhanced ( conductance similar to 100-fold increased in 1: 1 composites over the sum of individual conductances of single-component PbTe and Ag2Te films) p-type electronic conductivity. This observation, consistent with the role of Ag2Te as a p-type dopant in bulk PbTe, demonstrates that nanocrystals can behave as dopants in nanostructured assemblies.