8:20 AM - SM05.01.08
Late News: Silicon Nanowires Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles—Synthesis and Analytical Characterization
Margherita Izzi1,2,Rosaria Anna Picca1,2,Antonio Leonardi3,4,Maria Lo Faro3,4,Maria Sportelli1,Alessia Irrera4,Nicola Cioffi1,2
University of Bari Aldo Moro1,CSGI (Center for Colloid and Surface Science) c/o Dept. Chemistry, University of Bari2,University of Catania3,IPCF-CNR4
Show Abstract
Hybrid nanomaterials combining semiconductor and metal nanostructures represent an efficient way to develop novel platforms for advanced applications, ranging from sensing to catalysis [1–3]. In particular, silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are a promising host matrix for the dispersion of metal nanoparticles (MeNPs). They exhibit excellent characteristics such as large surface area, relatively high mechanical stability and low cost [4]. SiNWs are prepared by a wet-etching technique, assisted by the deposition of an ultrathin metal film on (p-, n-doped or highly doped) Si single crystal. SiNWs with very high density and controllable aspect ratios can be obtained. In the last years, we have studied the decoration of the proposed SiNWs with different MeNPs, including gold, by pulsed laser deposition [2,3]. This technique allows for loading “naked” NPs on the NWs. As alternative approaches, wet-methods can be used to decorate the semiconductor nanostructures. In this communication, we report on the modification of SiNW platforms with chemically produced AuNPs by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). We exploit an innovative synthesis based on stainless steel as solid reductant for HAuCl4 to prepare AuNPs [5,6]. This method is very easy, quick, cost-effective, and scalable, allowing the synthesis of highly stable NPs without additional capping agents [6]. Pros and cons of EPD of preformed NPs will be highlighted in comparison with direct reduction of gold precursor on SiNW surface. The role of silicon doping will be investigated in combination with the charge of AuNP surface to evaluate their influence on final material properties. To this aim, electrochemical, spectroscopic and morphological characterizations will be proposed.
1. D’Andrea, C.; Faro, M.J.L.; Bertino, G.; Ossi, P.M.; Neri, F.; Trusso, S.; Musumeci, P.; Galli, M.; Cioffi, N.; Irrera, A.; et al. Decoration of Silicon Nanowires with Silver Nanoparticles for Ultrasensitive Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering. Nanotechnology 2016, 27, 375603, doi:10.1088/0957-4484/27/37/375603.
2. Picca, R.A.; Calvano, C.D.; Faro, M.J.L.; Fazio, B.; Trusso, S.; Ossi, P.M.; Neri, F.; D’Andrea, C.; Irrera, A.; Cioffi, N. Functionalization of Silicon Nanowire Arrays by Silver Nanoparticles for the Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Vegetable Oils. J. Mass Spectrom. 2016, 51, 849–856, doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jms.3826.
3. Casiello, M.; Picca, R.A.; Fusco, C.; D’Accolti, L.; Leonardi, A.A.; Lo Faro, M.J.; Irrera, A.; Trusso, S.; Cotugno, P.; Sportelli, M.C.; et al. Catalytic Activity of Silicon Nanowires Decorated with Gold and Copper Nanoparticles Deposited by Pulsed Laser Ablation. Nanomaterials 2018, 8, 78, doi:10.3390/nano8020078.
4. Irrera, A.; Faro, M.J.L.; D’Andrea, C.; Leonardi, A.A.; Artoni, P.; Fazio, B.; Picca, R.A.; Cioffi, N.; Trusso, S.; Franzò, G.; et al. Light-Emitting Silicon Nanowires Obtained by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching. Semicond. Sci. Technol. 2017, 32, 043004, doi:10.1088/1361-6641/aa60b8.
5. Izzi, M.; Sportelli, M.C.; Tursellino, L.; Palazzo, G.; Picca, R.A.; Cioffi, N.; López Lorente, Á.I. Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis Using Stainless Steel as Solid Reductant: A Critical Overview. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 622, doi:10.3390/nano10040622.
6. López-Lorente, A.I.; Simonet, B.M.; Valcárcel, M.; Eppler, S.; Schindl, R.; Kranz, C.; Mizaikoff, B. Characterization of Stainless Steel Assisted Bare Gold Nanoparticles and Their Analytical Potential. Talanta 2014, 118, 321–327, doi:10.1016/j.talanta.2013.10.028.