Magnetic-field-directed growth of CoPt₃ nanocrystal microwires

A novel method for formation of 1D nanocrystal structures, based on the use of magnetic fields to direct the growth of nanocrystal wires from CoPt ₃ colloidal solutions, was discussed. The structural characterization indicated that the wires comprised disordered nanocrystal assemblies where each nanocrystal remained a discrete entity. The activated charge transport properties of the wires were determined by the nanocrystal charging energy that was governed by the size and capacitance of the individual nanocrystals of which the wires were composed. The results indicated that the charge transport in these wire devices were largely two-dimensional (2D).