In the heart of Kazakhstan, researchers at the Institute of Physics and Technology, Satbayev University, are making waves in the world of materials science with their groundbreaking work on plasmonic structures. Led by Kurbangali B. Tynyshtykbayev, the team has developed a novel approach to incorporating nickel- and silver-based plasmonic nanoparticles into porous silicon, opening up new possibilities for the energy sector and beyond.
The research, recently published in the journal “Academia Materials Science” (translated as “Academia of Materials Science”), focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of these plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) within a porous silicon matrix. The team’s innovative method involves masking the silicon wafer surface using optical lithography, followed by pore formation and the deposition of plasmonic-active metal nanoparticles through a single-stage metal-assisted electrochemical etching process.
“What we’ve achieved is a periodic plasmonic structure that not only enhances the Raman signal and photoluminescence but also improves water evaporation processes,” Tynyshtykbayev explained. This enhancement is particularly significant for the energy sector, where efficient solar thermal vapor generation is crucial.
The nickel-doped plasmonic structures, created using photolithography and Ni+-ion implantation, exhibit high chemical stability due to the formation of nickel silicides in the surface layer. On the other hand, silver-doped plasmonic structures demonstrate a substantial enhancement of the Raman scattering signal and high visible photoluminescence. The luminosity of these silver plasmonic structures is attributed to the radiative properties of the Ag-PNPs/por-Si plasmonic structure, which consists of silver nanoparticles and porous silicon nanocrystallites.
One of the most compelling findings is the calorific value of these plasmonic structures. The silver plasmonic structure, in particular, shows a higher calorific value than its nickel and nickel/silver counterparts. This efficiency exceeds that of known solar thermal vapor generators, with a value of Ea = 7.58 kg·m–2·h–1.
The implications of this research are vast. In the realm of micro- and nanoelectronics, these findings could pave the way for the fabrication of radiating devices and appliances using chemical and electrochemical etching methods. Moreover, the high efficiency of these solar thermal generators could revolutionize the energy sector, providing more sustainable and effective solutions for solar energy conversion.
As the world continues to seek innovative solutions to energy challenges, the work of Tynyshtykbayev and his team at the Institute of Physics and Technology, Satbayev University, offers a promising path forward. Their research not only advances our understanding of plasmonic structures but also brings us closer to a future powered by efficient and sustainable energy technologies.