Abstract
The modification of flat semiconductor surfaces with nanoscale materials has been the subject of considerable interest. This paper provides detailed structural examinations of gold nanoparticles covalently immobilized onto hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces by a convenient thermal hydrosilylation to form Si-C bonds. Gold nanoparticles stabilized by ω-alkene-1-thiols with different alkyl chain lengths (C3, C6, and C 11), with average diameters of 2-3 nm and a narrow size distribution were used. The thermal hydrosilylation reactions of these nanoparticles with hydrogen-terminated Si(111) surfaces were carried out in toluene at various conditions under N2. The obtained modified surfaces were observed by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). The obtained images indicate considerable changes in morphology with reaction time, reaction temperature, as well as the length of the stabilizing ω-alkene-1-thiol molecules. These surfaces are stable and can be stored under ambient conditions for several weeks without measurable decomposition. It was also found that the aggregation of immobilized particles on a silicon surface occurred at high temperature (> 100°C). Precise XPS measurements of modified surfaces were carried out by using a Au-S ligand-exchange technique. The spectrum clearly showed the existence of Si-C bonds. Cross-sectional HR-TEM images also directly indicate that the particles were covalently attached to the silicon surface through Si-C bonds.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 314-323 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Chemistry - A European Journal |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 Dec 16 |
Keywords
- Gold
- Nanotechnology
- Scanning probe microscopy
- Silicon
- Transmission electron microscopy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- Organic Chemistry