Current fluctuations in chain of nanoparticles

We have fabricated and analyzed devices where an electrode gap was bridged by a chain of citrate stabilized gold particles. The current-voltage characteristic I∼(V-Vt)ζ with voltage threshold Vt∼0 and scaling exponent ζ=0.91 is attributed to charge transport in a one-dimensional path. We observe current fluctuations in the frequency range 3-100 mHz as function of time as a result of conformational changes in the citrate molecules induced by charge transfer across the molecules. -- Highlights: → We examine charge transport in a chain of gold particles stabilized with citrate. → The charge transfers through a one-dimensional path. → Fluctuations of current result from conformational changes in citrate molecule.