Field-effect and frequency dependent transport in semiconductor-enriched single-wall carbon nanotube network device

TL;DR

This study explores the electrical and optical modulation of a semiconductor-enriched single-wall carbon nanotube network device using a sodium chloride gate electrolyte, revealing percolative charge transport and frequency-dependent behavior down to cryogenic temperatures.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel field-effect device with facile fabrication and small-ion gating, showing optical and electrical modulation linked to semiconductor enhancement in nanotube networks.

Findings

Optical transparency and resistance are gate-modulated.

Percolative charge transport is indicated by time-response analysis.

Frequency response relates to temperature, with an empirical onset frequency relation.

Abstract

The electrical and optical response of a field-effect device comprising a network of semiconductor-enriched single-wall carbon nanotubes, gated with sodium chloride solution is investigated. Field-effect is demonstrated in a device that uses facile fabrication techniques along with a small-ion as the gate electrolyte - and this is accomplished as a result of the semiconductor enhancement of the tubes. The optical transparency and electrical resistance of the device are modulated with gate voltage. A time-response study of the modulation of optical transparency and electrical resistance upon application of gate voltage suggests the percolative charge transport in the network. Also the ac response in the network is investigated as a function of frequency and temperature down to 5 K. An empirical relation between onset frequency and temperature is determined.