Silver-coated silicon nano-particles prepared by thermal decomposition

The silver-coated silicon nano-particles were prepared by thermal decomposition, assisted with post-treatments of electrochemical polishing. Structure and morphology identification indicated the differences between Ag-coated p-type and n-type porous silicon layers were due to their different porosity, and the higher porosity of p-type porous silicon layers was suitable to form the cubic silver particles with nm size. The post-process was used to remove the excess Ag and Ag-O continents from the surface, and the processes were monitored by electric measurement and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The overall change in resistance and Raman spectra revealed the formation of silver-coated silicon nano-particles for p-type porous silicon layer.