Size-controlled solid state synthesis of luminescent silicon nanocrystals using Stöber silica particles

Abstract

Size-controlled Stöber silica particles were prepared using a sol–gel methodology. The Stöber silica particles were subsequently reduced using magnesium powder at 500 °C to yield silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) that were further reacted with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) to yield hydroxyl terminated, TOPO encapsulated Si-NCs that exhibit red luminescence.