Achievement

Nanostructured silicon has been identified as a promising material for energy harvesting (solar cells and thermoelectrics) and energy storage (batteries) applications due to its stability, relatively low cost and low toxicity. Current methods of producing nanostructured silicon often use toxic silane precursors or costly experimental apparatus. In collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, Sabah Bux in Prof. R. Kaner's lab has developed a new, rapid, solid-state method of producing high purity nanostructured silicon via solid-state metathesis reactions. The silicon forms in a double displacement reaction between silicon tetraiodide and an alkaline earth silicide precursor. Depending on which silicide precursor is used, two different morphologies are obtained: either nanoparticle aggregates or dendritic nanowires as we describe in an upcoming issue of the journal Chemistry of Materials (DOI: 10.1021/cm903410s).