Silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) are promising materials for biomedical and energy applications. Si NPs are non-toxic and photoluminescent making them ideal candidates for biological probes. Furthermore, bulk silicon is currently employed in photovoltaic (PV) devices and so naturally there is active research towards developing thin films of Si NPs for PV applications. Considering the future industrial role that Si NPs are anticipated to fulfill, knowing the yield of Si NPs for a synthetic route is important. The Kauzlarich group has developed a solution synthesis for Si NPs via the oxidation of Zintl phases containing Si44- and Si94- clusters. We have studied the oxidation of Na4Si4, Rb7NaSi8, and A12Si17 (A = K, Rb, Cs) Zintl phases reacted with ammonium bromide. Additionally, we investigated the reduction of SiI4 reacted with Na4Si4. The Si NP's optical properties were characterized using Uv-Vis and photoluminescence spectrophotometry. The morphology and size distribution were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Finally, the Si NP yield was estimated using the histogram data acquired by TEM along with silicon yields determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Zintl phase silicides as a reducing agent and precursor for silicon nanoparticles

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.