Solid-state synthesis of SiGe nanoalloys with composition-tunable energy gaps and visible to near infrared optical properties.

SiGe alloy nanocrystals (NCs) are a class of benign semiconductors that show size and composition-tunable energy gaps and promising optical properties because of the lattice disorder. The random distribution of elements within the alloys can lead to efficient light-matter interactions, making them attractive for Si-compatible optoelectronic devices, transistors, charge storage, and memory applications. However, the fabrication of discrete, quantum-confined alloys has proved a challenging task.

Size-Tunable Band Structure and Optical Properties of Colloidal Silicon Nanocrystals Synthesized via Thermal Disproportionation of Hydrogen Silsesquioxane Polymers.

Dodecane-capped silicon nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by using a low-temperature (800-1100 °C) polymer variant of traditional hydrogen silsesquioxane thermal disproportionation. Highly crystalline Si NCs having tunable diameters (3.0-6.