Advance in solid-state synthesis and surface chemistry of silicon nanocrystals

Silicon nanocrystals benefit from natural abundance, remarkable stability, tunable chemical and physical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. These features make them vital in various research and industrial fields, including semiconductor industry, optoelectronic energy conversion, and biomedicine. The preparation of structures with special functions through controllable synthetic approaches and subsequent functionalization of materials are key approaches to advancing the fundamental understanding and applications of silicon nanocrystals. In this paper, we systematically review recent developments in the synthesis, surface chemistry, and applications of silicon nanocrystals based on the latest research findings of our research team. We discuss the brief history of the research on silicon nanocrystals, the structure-property relationships and common scientific issues in silicon materials chemistry, highlighting the applications of silicon nanocrystals in light emission, low-carbon technologies, and the biomedical fields. Finally, we analyze our results to identify current challenges and propose future research focuses on the physical and chemical mechanisms, common principles, and universal reaction rules.