Silicon/germanium nanoparticle inks, laser pyrolysis reactors for the synthesis of nanoparticles and associated methods

摘要

Laser pyrolysis reactor designs and corresponding reactant inlet nozzles are described to provide desirable particle quenching that is particularly suitable for the synthesis of elemental silicon particles. In particular, the nozzles can have a design to encourage nucleation and quenching with inert gas based on a significant flow of inert gas surrounding the reactant precursor flow and with a large inert entrainment flow effectively surrounding the reactant precursor and quench gas flows. Improved silicon nanoparticle inks are described that has silicon nanoparticles without any surface modification with organic compounds. The silicon ink properties can be engineered for particular printing applications, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing or screen printing. Appropriate processing methods are described to provide flexibility for ink designs without surface modifying the silicon nanoparticles.

主权项

1. A dispersion comprising at least about 0.05 weight percent elemental silicon/germanium nanoparticles having an average primary particle size of no more than about 50 nm, from about 0.25 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of a first solvent having a boiling point from about 55° C. to about 160° C., and from about 65 weight percent to about 94.75 weight percent of a second solvent having a boiling point of at least about 175° C., wherein the nanoparticles are stably dispersed and wherein the dispersion has a viscosity of at least about 500 cP (0.5 Pa·s).