Silicon nanoparticles are of interest because of their tunable visible emission and non-toxic properties. Hydride-terminated silicon nanoparticles with orange wavelength emission have been previously synthesized. However, their surface chemistry is highly susceptible to photocorrosion, thereby changing the photophysical properties of the particle. Here silicon nanoparticles are coated with shells of non-toxic, large bandgap semiconductors zinc sulfide (3.6 eV) or zinc selenide (2.7 eV). This allows for a more chemically stable nanoparticle that can be functionalized for future attachment of biological targeting groups. The lattice mismatch present between cubic silicon core and the zinc chalcogenide shell results in different photophysical properties. We report on the synthesis of the core and shells. Structural characterization of the precursors and final core:shell composites were obtained through NMR, FTIR, and X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, optical spectroscopy and electron microscopy were used to obtain morphology, optical properties, and electronic structure of the nanoparticle composites.

Si:ZnS and Si:ZnSe core:shell nanoparticle composites as potential non-toxic, fluorescent medical imaging agents

245th National Meeting (2013)

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