Synthesis and Surface Functionalization of Group 14 Nanomaterials

• Author / Creator

  Li, Ziqi

• Nanomaterials based upon Group 14 elements (i.e., silicon and germanium) are drawing a great deal of attention from researchers since they are biocompatible and exhibit unique optical and electronic properties. Surface functionalization, which is one of the most critical aspects of nanomaterial design, can modify nanomaterials’ electronic, optical, and physical propertiey, possibly laying a path to designer materials. In this thesis, we are dedicated to investigating on the surface chemistry regarding three materials: synthesized Si nanocrystals (NCs), polygermane (PGs) and Ge nanosheets (GeNSs) and try to change some of their properties (i.e., solubility or resistance to oxidation).
  In Chapter 2, we designed dissipative self-assembly of functionalized SiNCs driven by the kinetics of a dissipative reaction chemical cycle, which was developed based upon the work of Grotsch et al. This study examines how aspartic acid and derivatives of succinic acid can independently functionalize SiNCs and produce two different types of precursors for the dissipative reaction cycle. A series of experiments successfully prepared the functionalized SiNCs and discovered the combined effects of the acids and SiNCs. Through analyzing the combined effects, dicarboxylic acids such as aspartic and succinic acid showcase assembly properties while SiNCs demonstrate the property of luminescence. It is worth noting that the functionalized SiNCs can retain its characteristic photoluminescence for months. On the condition of adding EDC to functionalized SiNCs, the aspartic acid terminated SiNCs failed to show dissipative self-assembly, whereas the succinic acid terminated SiNCs reacted partially as expected.
  iii
  In Chapter 3, we carried out the thiolation on the hydride-terminated PGs and GeNSs to produce Ge–S bonding by simply heating the reaction with thiols and disulfides. After the completion of the reaction, the Ge–H bonds were consumed, and C–H and C–S vibration modes were observed in FTIR spectra. In the end, a series of characterizations were carried out to confirm the thiol-termination.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Photoluminescence
  • Nanoparticles
  • Chemistry
  • Germanium
  • Silicon Nanocrystals

• Graduation date

  Spring 2022

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-k7h6-2228

• 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.