The silicon nanoparticle synthesis system (Gas handling not completely shown)

As produced silicon nanoparticles (powder)

SEM micrograph of 40 nm diameter silicon nanoparticles

SEM micrograph of 80 nm diameter silicon nanoparticles

Silicon Nanoparticle Synthesis

Project objectives

The silicon nanoparticle project aims to develop a controlled method to synthesise doped silicon nanoparticles and to develop an understanding of ink formulation, incorporating these silicon nanoparticles.

These nanocomposite inks find application in printed solar cells, developed by our collaborator, the Physics Department of the University of Cape Town (UCT). Printed electronic devices fall in the broader category of flexible electronics, an exciting emerging technology that attracts great interest internationally.

Using hot-wire chemical vapour deposition CVD) and an undisclosed technique, it is attempted to synthesise doped silicon nanoparticles of controlled size, morphology, composition and structure.

The synthesis system consists of a multi-functional stainless reaction chamber with vacuum pumps, gas handling system, as well as electronic measurement and control.

The team

Silicon nanoparticle synthesis is researched by Manfred Scriba, project leader and PhD student at the University of Cape Town. Silicon nanocomposite binder is under investigation by Ntombi Mathe - MSc student, University of Cape Town.

Facilities

HWCVD chamber for powder synthesis

Papers published

Scriba, M.R , Arendse. C , Härting M, Britton D. T. Hot-wire synthesis of Si nanoparticles. Thin Solid Films, 2008. 516(5): p. 844-846.

Project Leader and Senior Researcher

Synthesis of intrinsic and doped silicon nanoparticles
Mr Manfred Scriba
MSc: Physics, University of Cape Town, 2006
mrscriba@csir.co.za
Tel: +27 12 841 4738
Fax: +27 12 841 2229

Group member

Miss Ntombi Mathe
Formulation of binders and inks for silicon nanoparticulate printing
MSc student registered at University Cape Town
(Supervisor: Prof. M. Härting )
nmathe@csir.co.za