Reversible Metal-Semiconductor Transition of ssDNA-Decorated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that wrapping ssDNA around single-walled carbon nanotubes induces a reversible transition from metallic to p-type semiconducting behavior, activated by water, confirmed through FET measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations.

Contribution

It reveals a water-activated, reversible metal-semiconductor transition in ssDNA-decorated SWNTs, combining experimental and theoretical insights.

Findings

Water activates the transition in SWNT-ssDNA hybrids.

Raman spectroscopy confirms the change in electrical behavior.

Ab initio calculations show band gap opening due to charge transfer.

Abstract

A field effect transistor (FET) measurement of a SWNT shows a transition from a metallic one to a p-type semiconductor after helical wrapping of DNA. Water is found to be critical to activate this metal-semiconductor transition in the SWNT-ssDNA hybrid. Raman spectroscopy confirms the same change in electrical behavior. According to our ab initio calculations, a band gap can open up in a metallic SWNT with wrapped ssDNA in the presence of water molecules due to charge transfer.