Enhanced current density and asymmetry of metal–insulator–metal diodes based on self-assembly of Pt nanoparticles

Abstract

Metal–insulator–metal (MIM) diodes facilitate rectification at high frequencies. However, the rectification ratio for light from visible to infrared spectra is insufficient. In this study, we developed a MIM diode with a strongly enhanced electric field achieved using the self-assembly of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) via atomic layer deposition. By shaping the tunneling barrier, current density and asymmetry were simultaneously enhanced by several orders of magnitude compared with the symmetric MIM diode. The diode efficiency of the proposed MIM diodes was experimentally demonstrated to be 231 times greater than that of the MIM diode without NPs. This strategy indicates significant potential for high-frequency rectification applicable in optical rectenna.