Hybrid nanostructures from metal nanoparticles equipped with conducting polymer shells are of great interest for use as functional materials in sensing and optoelectronics, as well as for ink-deposited conductors. Here, we investigate the charge transport mechanism of nanostructures composed of gold nanoparticles coated with a polyaniline shell (Au@PANI). In particular, we focus on how geometry influences the charge transport behavior. Highly ordered linear assemblies of Au@PANI nanoparticles were fabricated using template-assisted assembly, while bulk-like films were obtained via drop-casting. Temperature-dependent transport measurements were analyzed using established conductance models. Linear assemblies exhibit more localized transport, characterized by variable-range hopping (VRH) and thermally assisted tunneling (TAT), whereas bulk-like films show more delocalized transport, dominated by Arrhenius-type and thermionic conduction. These findings highlight the critical role of geometry, also due to its effect on electrical field strength in determining charge transport mechanisms in nanoparticle-based hybrid systems.
@article{arxiv.2509.15019,
title = {Nanoscale Charge Transport in Au@PANI Assemblies: Bulk-like Films and Linear Assemblies},
author = {Gyusang Yi and Borja Rodriguez-Barea and Gabriele Carelli and Lukas Mielke and Andreas Fery and Artur Erbe and Hendrik Schlicke},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.15019},
year = {2026}
}