Silicon nanoparticles synthesis from calcium disilicide by redox assisted chemical exfoliation

Abstract We report the preparation of single-crystal silicon nanoparticles with 15 to 22 nm diameter from calcium disilicide (CaSi 2 ) by redox assisted chemical exfoliation using solution phase synthesis route. Silicon nanoparticles are found to be highly oriented with a predominant size of 18 nm. X-Ray diffraction, as well as transmission electron microscopy studies, confirm that the silicon nanoparticles are a diamond type and highly crystalline.