Synthesis of Semiconducting Thin Films with Nanometer‐Scale Periodicity by Solution‐Phase Coassembly of Zintl Clusters with Surfactants

Abstract

Inorganic cluster anions (Zintl ions) have been cross-linked by transition metals in the presence of alkyl ammonium surfactants and gold substrates to produce nanostructured thin films (see picture). These films display a variety of phases, including hexagonal, cubic, lamellar, and wormlike. Optical measurements show that the films are semiconductors, and I–V measurements indicate rectifying behavior.