Efficient surface functionalization of luminescent silicon quantum dots by photoinitiated hydrosilylation

This technology describes a 3-phased process to synthesize luminescent silicon nanoparticles in different colors. 3nm to 15nm diameter nanoparticles are synthesized at a high-rate by laser decomposition of silane. Wet chemical etching is done using a combination of acids (HF and HNO3) resulting in reduction in size and photoluminescence. In the second phase, the acid-combination proportions are optimized to produce high density of hydrogen and low density of oxygen on the nanoparticle surfaces. In the final phase, secondary attachments of organic molecules to the hydrogen terminators are done through photoinitiated hydrosilylation, resulting in silicon nanoparticles that display bright luminescence from red to green. Further derivitization is also possible.

The values and advantages of this technology are:

– Luminescent silicon nanoparticles in different colors are synthesized
– The proportions in which acids (HF and HNO3) are to be mixed is optimal at 10:1
– “Active” Hydrogen termination is made possible which is helpful in derivitization
– Attachment of organic molecules leads to stable luminescent particles (chemical/thermal) in a wide variety of colors
– Attachment takes place without significant oxidation of surfac e. This is important for stable yellow and green nanoparticles
– The organic molecules provide active functional groups on nanoparticle surface as well as control over dispersibility
– The approach is simple and scalable and can be generalized to y ield several kinds of organic molecules; The invention is an ideal research tool in applications like bio-recognition, bio-imaging and hybrid organic LEDs and optoelectronics.

Categories: Optics, Nanotechnology

Type of Offer: Licensing



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