Silicon nanocrystals with diameters of less than 5nm show efficient photoluminescence at room temperature. For ensembles of silicon quantum dots, previous reports of photoluminescence quantum yields have usually been in the few percent range, and generally less than 30%. Here we report the plasma synthesis of silicon quantum dots and their subsequent wet-chemical surface passivation with organic ligands under strict exclusion of oxygen. Photoluminescence quantum yields exceeding 60% have been achieved at peak wavelengths of about 789nm.
An efficient synthesis route for highly luminescent silicon quantum dots is presented. Silicon nanocrystals were synthesized in the gas phase using an argon-silane non-thermal plasma in a continuous flow reactor. Liquid phase surface passivation was used to improve the optical properties and avoid surface oxidation of the silicon quantum dots. Various alkenes, such as octadecene, dodecene and styrene, were covalently bonded to the plasma-produced particles, while strictly avoiding exposure of the raw powder to oxidizing agents. Stable colloidal solutions of silicon quantum dots with ensemble quantum yields between 60% and 70% were achieved.
Silicon nanocrystals with diameters of less than 5 nm show efficient room temperature pho-toluminescence (PL). Previous reports of PL quantum yields for ensembles of silicon quantum dots have usually been in the few percent range, and generally less than 30%. Here we report the plasma synthesis of silicon quantum dots and their subsequent wet-chemical surface passivation with organic ligands while strictly excluding oxygen. Photoluminescence quantum yields as high as 62% have been achieved at peak wavelengths of about 789 nm.
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