Electronic and Optical Properties of Functionalized Silicon Nanocrystals

• Author / Creator

  Deutsch, Kelsey C

• Silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) have unique properties manifested at nanometer dimensions. The optoelectronic properties of silicon nanocrystals depend on size and surface chemistry. Investigation into the electronic and optical nature of SiNCs can facilitate the synthesis of efficient optical and electronic devices. In studying the electronic nature of SiNCs, the functionalization of SiNCs with electroactive end groups is of interest. Successful functionalization of silicon nanocrystals with an electroactive ligand, ferrocene, was achieved and the resulting material was fully characterized. Electronic interaction between the SiNC and ferrocene occurs via an electron transfer mechanism. This is the first example of freestanding SiNCs functionalized with ferrocene. Photostability of SiNC photoluminescence (PL) is a limitation in the development of efficient devices and bioimaging applications. The photostability of SiNCs with a series of surface ligands was studied due to strong influence of surface chemistry on SiNC optoelectronic properties. Investigation of a series of surface functionalized SiNCs under photobleaching condition revealed that the effect of oxygen has a greater influence on PL stability than the surface group functionalized.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Photobleaching
  • Redox
  • Photostability
  • Silicon nanocrystals
  • Optical
  • Electronic
  • Properties
  • Ferrocene
  • Electroactive

• Graduation date

  Spring 2016

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3KP7V724

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.