Self-assembly and characterization of novel amorphous SiOx (x = 2.1) quantum dots using polyacrylamide gel networks as template

We report the self-assembly and characterization of amorphous SiOx quantum dots with diameters (6–10 nm). The preparation method was based on hydrolyzation induced self-assembly with Na2SiO3 as the silica precursor and the polyacrylamide gels as template. Ultraviolet and blue–green photoluminescence were observed at room temperature from amorphous SiOx quantum dots. The photoluminescence spectrum has two peaks at 540 and 675 nm. From the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy we obtained atomic ratio of Si to O is about 1:2.1. From the infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we suggested the origin responsible for the stable emission is Si–OH complexes located on the surfaces quantum dots. The silica quantum dots may have potential applications in future integrated optical devices.