Size classification of silicon nanocrystals

We report on the synthesis of size-classified silicon nanocrystals by differential mobility classification of a polydisperse ultrafine silicon aerosol. Using the described technique, the average nanocrystal size can be tuned by simply adjusting an electric field. Samples of nonagglomerated silicon nanocrystals have been obtained and size control has been achieved within 15%–20% in the 2–10 nm size regime.