Environmental photostability of SF6-etched silicon nanocrystals

Abstract

We report on the long-term environmental stability of the photoluminescent (PL) properties of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs). We prepared sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) etched SiNCs in a two-stage plasma reactor and investigated their PL stability against UV irradiation in air. Unlike SiNCs with hydrogen-passivated surfaces, the SF6-etched SiNCs exhibit no photobleaching upon extended UV irradiation despite surface oxidation. Furthermore, the PL quantum yield also remains stable upon heating the SF6-etched SiNCs up to 160 °C. The observed thermal and UV stability of SF6-etched SiNCs combined with their PL quantum yields of up to ∼50% make them attractive candidates for UV downshifting to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. Electron paramagnetic spin resonance indicates that the SF6-etched SiNCs have a lowered density of defect states, both as-formed and after room temperature oxidation in air.