(95a) The Mechanochemical Formation of Functionalized Semiconductor Nanoparticles for Biological and Superhydrophobic Surface Applications

A facile method for the fabrication of functionalized semiconductor nanoparticles is described. The mechanochemical method involves the simultaneous top-down formation of nanoparticles using high energy ball milling and reaction with a liquid medium to functionalize the nanoparticle surfaces as they are formed. As the silicon fracture during the mechanical attrition, the formation of reactive surface species lead to the reaction with the surrounding organic medium, such as n-alkyne and establish stable Si-C bonds. As the particles further fracture into the nano-regime and become sufficiently functionalized with organic molecules, they become soluble in the parent liquor. This process can be adapted to form chloro alkyl functionalized silicon nanoparticles, which can participate at secondary reaction to change the overall surface characteristics. Potential applications as biomarkers and solar energy collection media are discussed. Finally, the use of ?waste? material from processing for the production of superhydrophobic films and surfaces is described.