A new synthetic route for the synthesis of hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles

We describe the synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Si prepared by the initial reaction of the metal silicide, Mg2Si, with either SiCl4 or Br2 and, subsequently, with LiAlH4. These reactions produce Si nanoparticles with surfaces that are covalently terminated with H. The resultant nanoparticles can be suspended in organic solvent and are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–vis absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. This work provides the first direct evidence of hydrogen terminated Si nanoparticles synthesized in solution.