Development and characterization of nanocomposites with gold nanoparticles embedded in the nanostructured silicon substrate

In the present work an alternative nanoparticle synthesis technique was developed, where the nanoparticles nucleate and grow inside the pores of the nanostructured porous silicon (NPS). Employing green method for the nanoparticle synthesis, yeast extract is used as a reducing agent. The porous layers were prepared by electrochemical etching of Boron-doped (100) Si substrate (0.01-0.02Ohm·cm). The NPS support was immersed into the reactive colloid for different times, then withdrawn, cleaned and dried. SEM and XRD measurements were carried out to characterize the NPS substrate and the immobilized catalyst nanoparticles. EDX mapping shows a homogeneous deposition of nanoparticles on the porous support. The average particle size, calculated from XRD diffractograms (using the Scherrer's formula), was found between 6 to 10 nm. This method provides a good incorporation and distribution of nanoparticles, also an alternative environment-friendly technique to develop catalytic devices fabricated on silicon substrate with an additional advantage of being integrated with the silicon based microelectronic circuits.