Microwave driven synthesis of narrow bandgap alpha-tin nanoparticles on silicon

I. Mazzetta; L. Viti; F. Rigoni; S. Quaranta; A. Gasparotto; G. Barucca; F. Palma; P. Riello; E. Cattaruzza; M. Asgari; M. Vitiello; F. Irrera

Materials & Design (May 2022)

Microwave driven synthesis of narrow bandgap alpha-tin nanoparticles on silicon

I. Mazzetta,
L. Viti,
F. Rigoni,
S. Quaranta,
A. Gasparotto,
G. Barucca,
F. Palma,
P. Riello,
E. Cattaruzza,
M. Asgari,
M. Vitiello,
F. Irrera

Affiliations

I. Mazzetta: Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Corresponding author.
L. Viti: NEST, CNR - Istituto Nanoscienze and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
F. Rigoni: Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
S. Quaranta: Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN) – Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
A. Gasparotto: Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
G. Barucca: Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
F. Palma: Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
P. Riello: Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
E. Cattaruzza: Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
M. Asgari: NEST, CNR - Istituto Nanoscienze and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
M. Vitiello: NEST, CNR - Istituto Nanoscienze and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
F. Irrera: Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 217
p. 110632

Abstract

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This work proposes a microwave-based synthetic route for the preparation of tin nanospheres with a diamond-like α-phase structure on silicon. The main characteristics of the synthesized material are an extraordinarily narrow (around 50 meV) direct bandgap and an improved thermal stability (up to 200° C). Structural and compositional characterizations showed a core–shell structure comprised of an outer amorphous oxide shell and inner core containing α-phase tin domains. Microwaves turned out to be instrumental in achieving the specific nanostructures reported, due to their peculiar heating characteristics. Low pressure, low temperature and compatibility with integrated circuits manufacturing represent the most innovative features of the present synthetic process.

Published in Materials & Design

ISSN: 0264-1275 (Print); 1873-4197 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/materials-and-design

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