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The article investigates electron transfer kinetics between a solution redox mediator and the nanocrystal core using a monolayer of alkanethiolate protected gold nanocrystals and reports the first quantitative estimate for the rate of electron transfer at the nanocrystal/solution interface. The rate of electron transfer was found to be depended on the redox couple used, which shows the importance of molecule specific properties such as the effect of their relative hydrophilicities.

This article reports the use of the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) to investigate the electronic properties of Langmuir monolayers of alkane thiol protected gold nanocrystals (NCs). A substantial increase in monolayer conductivity upon mechanical compression of the Au NC monolayer is reported for the first time. This may be the room temperature signature of the insulator to metal transition previously reported for comparable silver NC monolayers. Factors influencing the conductivity of the monolayer NC array are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]