Size controlled synthesis of silicon nanocrystals using cationic surfactant templates.

Alkyl-terminated silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) are synthesized at room temperature by hydride reduction of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl₄) within inverse micelles. Highly monodisperse Si nanocrystals with average diameters ranging from 2 to 6 nm are produced by variation of the cationic quaternary ammonium salts used to form the inverse micelles. Transmission electron microscopy imaging shows that the NCs are highly crystalline, while FTIR spectra confirm that the NCs are passivated by covalent attachment of alkanes, with minimal surface oxidation.