16
Recent Developments in the Chemistry and
Chemical Applications of Porous Silicon
J. M. Schmeltzer and J. M. Buriak
16.1
Introduction
Porous silicon is a fascinating derivative of bulk crystalline silicon that has inspired
an enormous body of research since the first reports of this material [1, 2]. Early
developments of this highly resistive silicon were applied for dielectric isolation,
including isolation by porous oxidized silicon (IPOS) and silicon-on-insulator (SOI)
technologies [3]. Interest in porous silicon has literally exploded since the seminal paper outlining room temperature photoluminescence from this material was
published in 1990 [4]. This interest, once largely confined to the electrical properties of porous silicon, has now expanded to include the optical, chemical, and
physical characteristics as well. More importantly, work of the past several years
has seen the birth of a number of novel and exciting applications based upon porous silicon. Great strides have been taken in understanding the formation and
behavior of porous silicon [5]; nonetheless, much work still remains to elucidate
the details and specifics of its properties and reactivity.
The aim of this chapter is to describe the most recent advances and discoveries in the chemistry of porous silicon. A brief introduction to the formation and
chemical functionalization of this substance is given, followed by discussion of
several emerging technologies founded upon porous silicon, including chemical
analyses, biological implants, and biochemical sensors. Lesser consideration is
given to physical and electronic applications since they lie mostly beyond the scope
of this book and have been previously reviewed elsewhere [5, 6]. Investigations into
the chemical and biochemical activities of porous silicon are ongoing and continue
to develop new uses and improve extant applications for this material.
16.2
Preparation and Characterization of Porous Silicon Substrates
Porous silicon is comprised of interconnected zero-dimensional nanocrystallites
and one-dimensional nanowires produced through the chemical [7], photochemi518
Recent Developments in the Chemistry and
Chemical Applications of Porous Silicon
J. M. Schmeltzer and J. M. Buriak
16.1
Introduction
Porous silicon is a fascinating derivative of bulk crystalline silicon that has inspired
an enormous body of research since the first reports of this material [1, 2]. Early
developments of this highly resistive silicon were applied for dielectric isolation,
including isolation by porous oxidized silicon (IPOS) and silicon-on-insulator (SOI)
technologies [3]. Interest in porous silicon has literally exploded since the seminal paper outlining room temperature photoluminescence from this material was
published in 1990 [4]. This interest, once largely confined to the electrical properties of porous silicon, has now expanded to include the optical, chemical, and
physical characteristics as well. More importantly, work of the past several years
has seen the birth of a number of novel and exciting applications based upon porous silicon. Great strides have been taken in understanding the formation and
behavior of porous silicon [5]; nonetheless, much work still remains to elucidate
the details and specifics of its properties and reactivity.
The aim of this chapter is to describe the most recent advances and discoveries in the chemistry of porous silicon. A brief introduction to the formation and
chemical functionalization of this substance is given, followed by discussion of
several emerging technologies founded upon porous silicon, including chemical
analyses, biological implants, and biochemical sensors. Lesser consideration is
given to physical and electronic applications since they lie mostly beyond the scope
of this book and have been previously reviewed elsewhere [5, 6]. Investigations into
the chemical and biochemical activities of porous silicon are ongoing and continue
to develop new uses and improve extant applications for this material.
16.2
Preparation and Characterization of Porous Silicon Substrates
Porous silicon is comprised of interconnected zero-dimensional nanocrystallites
and one-dimensional nanowires produced through the chemical [7], photochemi518