Silicon Nanoparticles
Silicon Nanoparticles - Related Videos
08:53
Synthesis, Functionalization, and Characterization of Fusogenic Porous Silicon Nanoparticles for Oligonucleotide Delivery
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Cited by 5 •
2019
We demonstrate the synthesis of fusogenic porous silicon nanoparticles for effective in vitro and in vivo oligonucleotide delivery. Porous silicon nanoparticles are loaded with siRNA to form the core, which is coated by fusogenic lipids through extrusion to form the shell. Targeting moiety functionalization and particle characterization are included.
09:32
Polycrystalline Silicon Thin-film Solar cells with Plasmonic-enhanced Light-trapping
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Cited by 9 •
2012
Polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cells on glass are fabricated by deposition of boron and phosphorous doped silicon layers followed by crystallisation, defect passivation and metallisation. Plasmonic light-trapping is introduced by forming Ag nanoparticles on the silicon cell surface capped with a diffused reflector resulting in ~45% photocurrent enhancement.
09:43
Preparation of Silica Nanoparticles Through Microwave-assisted Acid-catalysis
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Cited by 11 •
2013
Silica nanoparticles were prepared using acid-catalysis of a siloxane precursor and microwave-assisted synthetic techniques resulting in the controlled growth of nanomaterials ranging from 30-250 nm in diameter. The growth dynamics can be controlled by varying the initial silicic acid concentration, time of the reaction, and temperature of reaction.
13:39
Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles
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Cited by 7 •
2013
The following setup approach details low power optical trapping of dielectric nanoparticles using a double-nanohole in metal film.
09:23
Harmonic Nanoparticles for Regenerative Research
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Cited by 1 •
2014
Protocol details are provided for in vitro labeling human embryonic stem cells with second harmonic generating nanoparticles. Methodologies for hESC investigation by multi-photon microscopy and their differentiation into cardiac clusters are also presented.
FAQs
Quantum confinement changes the allowed energy levels as silicon particle dimensions change, so electronic and optical responses become size dependent. This relationship explains why particles with different dimensions can behave differently even when their elemental composition is the same. In chemistry, controlling size therefore provides a route to tune photoluminescence and other nanoscale properties for materials and sensing research.
Surface oxidation and chemical functionalization alter the interface between silicon nanoparticles and their surroundings. These surface changes can tune reactivity, solubility, and stability, which are distinct from properties controlled primarily by particle dimensions. Managing the surface chemistry is therefore important when adapting the particles for applications that require controlled interactions with solvents, chemical environments, or other materials.
Top-down production begins with bulk silicon and uses etching to reduce the material to the nanoscale, whereas bottom-up production forms particles through precursor decomposition. The two strategies differ in how the silicon framework is generated and reduced. Selecting between them depends on the desired control of particle size, structure, and surface chemistry, all of which influence later performance.
A preparation workflow first selects either bulk-silicon etching or precursor decomposition as the particle-forming strategy. The resulting material is then examined for size, structure, and surface chemistry, because these characteristics determine its nanoscale behavior. This sequence connects synthesis with chemical evaluation and helps identify whether the particles have properties suitable for the intended research application.
Size, structure, and surface chemistry are central characterization targets. Size measurements help relate particle dimensions to quantum-confinement effects, while structural analysis describes the material formed during synthesis. Surface-chemistry measurements reveal oxidation or functionalization that may affect reactivity, solubility, and stability. Considering these properties together provides a more useful basis for interpreting performance than examining size alone.
Silicon nanoparticles are investigated in photoluminescent materials, sensors, energy storage, photocatalysis, and biomedical systems. Each area depends on a different combination of nanoscale electronic or optical behavior and controlled surface interactions. Their chemistry is especially relevant because oxidation and functionalization can modify solubility, stability, and reactivity, helping determine how effectively the particles perform in a specific system.