Electron Delocalization on the Silicon Nanoparticles Surface

Abstract

The specific properties of tubular and fullerenlike silicon nanoparticles depend on theirs electronic structure, which is directly related to the surface geometry. Using density functional approach, a novel dual nature of the surface structure of silicon nanotubes which depends on the type of nanotube have been revevaled. The rippled form of the surface has shown to be a favorable one for (n, n) type structure and the most stable form for (n, 0) Si NT is the nanotube with a smooth-walled graphene-like surface. The phenomenon is explained by the relative position of the non-hybridized p orbitals on the surface.