Self-assembly and characterization of novel amorphous SiO_x (x = 2.1) nanospheres

摘要

We report the self-assembly and characterization of amorphous SiO_x nanospheres with diameters 210-240 nm. The preparation method was based on hydrolysation-induced self-assembly with Na_2SiO_3 as the silica precursor and polyacrylamide gels as the template. Ultraviolet and blue-green photoluminescence were observed at room temperature from amorphous SiO_x nanospheres. The photoluminescence spectrum has peaks at 400 and 530 nm. From the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy disperse x-ray spectroscopy we found that the atomic ratio of Si to O is about 1:2.1. From the infrared spectrum and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we suggest that the origin of the stable emission is Si-OH complexes located on the surface of the nanospheres. The silica nanospheres may have potential applications in future integrated optical devices.