Synthesis and Characterization of (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane - Derived Silicon Nanoparticles Reduced with Ascorbic Acid

Gulsah Çelik Gül; Çiğdem Ulu; Seda Beyaz

doi:10.5281/zenodo.14511951

Authors

Gulsah Çelik Gül Balıkesir University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7213-1657
Çiğdem Ulu Balıkesir University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6021-034X
Seda Beyaz Balıkesir University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6422-675X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14511951

Keywords:

Silicon nanoparticles, Ascorbic acid, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane

Abstract

This study explores the influence of synthesis parameters—reaction temperature, time, (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), and ascorbic acid (AA)—on the particle size and optical properties of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). A total of 22 experiments were conducted, employing UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for thorough characterization, with unique observations of color changes over time using periodic UV-Vis measurements. Initial studies at 40, 50, and 60°C for 30 to 120 minutes revealed that higher temperatures and aging enhanced UV absorbance, especially in the 200–250 nm range. A reaction duration of 60 minutes at 50°C optimized particle formation, with PL measurements indicating strong emission around 520 nm. Further tests showed that increased APTES levels shifted absorption to 350–450 nm, with dual peaks indicating specific silicon transitions. Over time, absorption in this range decreased, attributed to unreacted APTES. TEM images revealed spherical, well-dispersed particles with sizes influenced by APTES and AA levels. Higher AA concentrations improved particle formation, particularly in the 200–325 nm range, acting as a reducing agent. When APTES and AA were balanced, smaller particles (8.508±2.832 nm) formed, surrounded by amine-silica chains. These findings offer insights into tailoring SiNP properties for biotechnology, demonstrating the potential to achieve desired size, optical characteristics, and stability through precise parameter adjustments.

Author Biographies

Gulsah Çelik Gül, Balıkesir University

Department of Veterinary Medicine, Savaştepe Vocational School, Balikesir University, 10145, Balıkesir, Türkiye

Çiğdem Ulu, Balıkesir University

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science&Art, Balıkesir University, 10145, Balıkesir, Türkiye

Seda Beyaz, Balıkesir University

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science&Art, Balıkesir University, 10145, Balıkesir, Türkiye

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