High efficiency photoluminescence from silicon nanocrystals prepared by plasma synthesis and organic surface passivation

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.