Narrow size distribution silicon and germanium nanocrystals
AssigneeStarfire Electronic Development & Marketing, Ltd.
InventorAvery Nathan Goldstein
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Abstract
A method is described for the liquid phase synthesis of particles. The particles are composed of silicon or germanium and are optionally produced at sizes such that the particles exhibit quantum size effects. The particles are produced from an organometallic (tetra-organosilicon or tetra-organogermanium) precursors which is dissolved in a solvent that transmits a wavelength of light that photolyzes the precursor. The reaction is carried out under an inert atmosphere. A passivating agent is added to arrest particle growth and impart solubility to the particle. Optionally, a dopant is incorporated into the particle in the course of production so as to modify the electronic properties of the semiconductor particle.
Claims17
Silicon nanocrystals exhibiting quantum size effects, and having a size distribution that varies by less than 20 percent of the average particle diameter of between 1 and 30 nanometers.
Germanium nanocrystals having quantum size effects, an average particle diameter of between 1 and 8 nm and a size distribution which varies by less than 20 percent of the average particle diameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.