Current-less anodization of intrinsic silicon powder grains: Formation of fluorescent Si nanoparticles

We examine current-less anodization of Si powder grains which are dispersed in a liquid. The grains are prepared red luminescent using a platinum catalyst from a chloroplatinic acid precursor. We also use the procedure to form dispersions of fluorescent Si nanoparticles in the size range of 3-6 nm across by subsequent sonication of the grains. The results are discussed in terms of the calculated thickness of the depletion layer in the grains due to a light metal doping and compared with recent results for the anodization of wirelike geometry.