Nanoparticle / nanotube-based nanoelectronic devices and chemically-directed assembly thereof

A nanoelectronic device comprising an optical rectenna comprising a plurality of nano structures arranged so as to form a plurality of nanoscale diodes with integrated antennas, wherein each nanostructure comprises:

• a conducting nanotube having first and second opposing ends;
• a metallic nanoparticle attached to the first end, wherein the first nanoparticle comprises elemental metal;
• and
• an insulating nanoparticle attached to the second end, wherein the insulating nanoparticle comprises a metal oxide.

A method of making a nanoelectronic device, comprising:

• making a plurality of asymmetric nanostructures, wherein making the plurality of nanostructures comprises:
• providing a plurality of nanotubes, each having a first end functionalized with at least one functionalizing moiety and a second end having a linker molecule attached thereto;
• attaching a metallic nanoparticle to the linker molecule;
• and
• attaching an insulating nanoparticle to the functionalizing moiety.