Colloidal synthesis of germanium nanocrystals using room-temperature benchtop chemistry

The relatively uniform photoluminescent Ge nanocrystals were synthesized using a simple and mild room-temperature benchtop chemistry method, and the morphology and size can be modified by changing the reaction conditions. The study employed the strategy of simple benchtop chemistry and represents an alternative to the harsh methods and specialized laboratory equipment typically required for synthesizing colloidal Ge nanoparticles. The experiment has also used reduction rate to influence morphology, for indium nanoparticles made using similar chemistry. Similar cube-shaped Ge nanoparticles formed by the aggregation of smaller particles was reported. The results exhibit that the room-temperature benchtop method for synthesizing Ge nanoparticles can be used to generate particles with a range of morphological features that are typically also observed using more harsh chemical methods.