Si nanocrystals embedded in SiO₂ nano-networks

SiO₂ nano-network structures have been synthesized by a simple thermal evaporation process in a large scale using S and SiO₂ as the source materials without the use of any metal catalysts at a relatively low temperature. The detailed structural characterization indicated that the obtained SiO₂ nano-networks are composed of small nanoparticles with the size of about 10 nm with a monoclinic structure and a small amount of Si nanocrystals synthesized in the fabrication process of SiO₂ nano-network structures. Room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) and UV–Vis absorption spectrum of the grown products indicate unique optical properties. Different from the traditional normal SiO₂ nanomaterials, due to the quantum confinement effects of embedded Si nanocrystals, the SiO₂ nano-networks show a wider light emitting area extending above 700 nm. - Highlights: • SiO₂ nano-network structures have been synthesized by thermal evaporation process. • SiO₂ nano-networks are composed of small nanoparticles with the size of about 10 nm. • A small amount of Si nanocrystals embedded in the SiO₂ nano-network structures. • SiO₂ nano-network structures exhibited unique optical properties.