Solution Synthesis of Germanium Nanocrystals: Success and Open Challenges

• DOI: 10.1021/nl035231t
• Publication Date: 2004-04-14T05:22:27Z
• Authors: Daniele Gerion; Natalia Zaitseva; Cheng Saw; Maria Francesca C...; Sirine Fakra; Tony Van Buuren; Giulia Galli
• Keywords: Diamond cubic; Nanometre

We present a two-step synthesis route that yields nanometer-size crystalline germanium in the form of black powder. It relies on high temperature decomposition tetraethylgermane (TEG) organic solvents. The presence pure with diamond structure is unambiguously attested by powder XRD measurements. Low-resolution TEM indicates particles are between ∼5 to 30 nm size, depending conditions. as-synthesized Ge powders can be stored air for months and no oxidation occurs. sparingly soluble conventional solvents because nanocrystals likely embedded matrix composed mainly CC, C−C, C−H bonds. residual byproducts impedes probing optical properties dots. Also, we discuss drawbacks open challenges high-temperature solution could also faced Si nanocrystals. Overall, our results call cautious interpretation reported obtained methods.