Modification of surface-characteristics of Silicon Nanocrystals by using Atmospheric-pressure Microplasma

摘要

We have studied the impact of atmospheric-pressure dc microplasma on the surface-functionalities of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) in different liquid medium such as water as well as in other organic media. This process can give the opportunity to tune the surface-functionalities in a controlled manner and improve optoelectronic properties of SiNCs. We have shown that microplasma processing can replace the hydrogen-terminations of SiNCs with oxygen-/ hydroxyl-/organic-terminations depending on the solvent used during processing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows the relevant changes before and after plasma processing in water and organic media. Absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) before and after plasma processing shows the changes due to plasma treatment and reduced surface defects on SiNCs after plasma treatment.