title: Stabilization of mid-sized silicon nanoparticles by functionalization with acrylic acid.
abstract: We present an enhanced method to form stable dispersions of medium-sized silicon nanoparticles for solar cell applications by thermally induced grafting of acrylic acid to the nanoparticle surface. In order to confirm their covalent attachment on the silicon nanoparticles and to assess the quality of the functionalization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier spectroscopy measurements were carried out. The stability of the dispersion was elucidated by dynamic light scattering and Zeta-potential measurements, showing no sign of degradation for months.
authors.affiliation: IVG, Institute for Combustion and Gasdynamics, University Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, 47048, Germany. robert.bywalez@uni-due.de.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bywalez
authors.forename: Hatice
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Karacuban
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nienhaus
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: Hartmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wiggers