We are working on improving the structure and optical properties of silicon nanocrystals. So, we create passivated silicon nanocrystals using non-thermal plasma technique and then functionalize them with different alkene chains and study the structure and the optical properties. So, I am really wondering if there is a technique to know the surface coverage of these nanocrystals?. I just do Thermal Hydrosilylation and once the silicon nanocrystal gets clear, I start doing the photoluminescence measurements. In fact, that is not enough because I need to know in the surface coverage of my silicon nano crystals is the optimum. As I read TGA can help, yet I need someone with such experience to help.
Dear Mahmud,
For understanding the surface coverage Silicon nanocrystals, atomic force microscopy (AFM) or scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements are very suitable.
Along with these measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements are also useful for primary investigation.
With regards...
Anjan
Thanks, Anjan and Sebastian. I really appreciate it. In fact, I became interested because of the following paper:
Supporting Information:
Phosphorous Pentachloride Initiated Functionalization of Silicon
Nanocrystals.
By
Jonathan G. C. Veinot el at
They could manage to determine the surface coverage using TGA. However, they didn't mention to the exact experimental procedures. I consider your recommendations.
Hi Mahmud,
a former colleague of mine published the following article:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/chem.201601920
There you can find a protocol how you can quantify the surface coverage of oxide nanoparticles in a detailed thermodynamic approach using TGA data. They propose it as an universal tool. Hope this will help...
Best, Sebastian
Hi Sebastian,
I really appreciate it. That is helpful and clear to understand. Thanks,