Silicon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Encapsulation, and Application in Light-Emitting Diodes

Sofia Morozova; Mariya Alikina; Aleksandr Vinogradov; Mario Pagliaro

doi:10.3389/fchem.2020.00191

Silicon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Encapsulation, and Application in Light-Emitting Diodes

Front Chem. 2020 Apr 7:8:191. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00191. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Sofia Morozova¹, Mariya Alikina¹, Aleksandr Vinogradov¹, Mario Pagliaro²

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Inkjet Printing of Functional Materials, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
² Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati, CNR, Palermo, Italy.

Abstract

Silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) are semiconductor Si nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 10 nm that hold great applicative potential as optoelectronic devices and fluorescent bio-marking agents due to their ability to fluoresce blue and red light. Their biocompatibility compared to conventional toxic Group II-VI and III-V metal-based quantum dots makes their practical utilization even more attractive to prevent environmental pollution and harm to living organisms. This work focuses on their possible use for light-emitting diode (LED) manufacturing. Summarizing the main achievements over the past few years concerning different Si quantum dot synthetic methods, LED formation and characteristics, and strategies for their stabilization by microencapsulation and modification of their surface by specific ligands, this work aims to provide guidance en route to the development of the first stable Si-based light-emitting diodes.

Keywords: fluorescence; light-emitting diodes; microencapsulation; quantum yield; silicon quantum dots; synthesis method.

Publication types

Review