Modeling collective charge transport in nanoparticle assemblies

Mapping the assembled patterns of nanoparticles onto networks (mathematical graphs) provides a way for quantitative analysis of the structure effects on the physical properties of the assembly. Here we review the network modeling of the conduction with single-electron tunneling mechanisms in the assembled nanoparticle films. Simulations of the conduction predict the nonlinear current-voltage curves in different classes of the nanoparticle networks. Furthermore, the numerical analysis reveals how the I (V) nonlinearity is related to the collective charge fluctuations along the conducting paths through the sample, and stresses the role of the topology and quenched charge disorder.