Preparation of functional group 14 nanomaterials via thermolysis of sol-gel derived precursors

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Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are unique materials that exhibit size dependent optical, electronic, and chemical properties. The chemistry and photophysics of prototypical CdSe NCs are well developed and largely understood. Consequently, these materials show promise as active systems in many applications. Despite favourable properties, toxic Cd ions, known to leach from these materials, pose a tremendous barrier to their integration into consumer products. In response, there is a push for "Cadmium-Free Quantum Dot" research programs. Group 14 NCs (e.g., Si, Ge, SiGe, SiC, etc.) are attractive alternatives in part because of their tunable optical and chemical properties, stability and bioinert nature. Already, pSivida Corporation has FDA approved Si-NC based drug delivery systems, IBM has incorporated Si-NCs into non-volatile memory devices, and there is significant Canadian investment in employing Si-NCs as active materials in alternative lighting. It has been suggested that devices based upon "nanosilicon" could lead to revenues as high as $2.1 billion US in 2016 - this neglects the promise of other Group 14 NCs that should exhibit improved device metrics.