Organometallic Chemistry on IV Semiconductors and Potential Applications

Abstract

This review paper describes some of our recent topics on surface functionalization of IV semiconductors. Well-designed surfaces of the semiconductors create exciting opportunities for technological applications. To meet such exciting functionality, we use a monolayer system in which the reactive monolayer attaches to the semiconductor surface via covalent linkage. Most importantly, this molecular system enables chemists to manipulate the non-oxidized surfaces of the semiconductors even under ambient conditions. A variety of organic approaches is available to modify the surface chemical property in a lab environment without surrounding environmental control using glove box. The covalent attachment of organic monolayers leads to the appearance of unique property. For example, (i) The surface organic passivation leads to the highly efficient luminescence from silicon nanoparticles. Interestingly, the monomolecular density can controls the optical transition process of photoexcited careers in the nanostructured silicon. (ii) A multifunctional microarray, in which different types of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are respectively positioned on predefined surface sites, allows the parallel detection of different bimolecular interactions under the same buffer condition. (iii) The successful formation of reactive moieties on the IV semiconductors has provided unique chemical template for subsequent biomolecular attachment. The industrial use of IV semiconductors provides the unsurpassed compatibility with microelectronics. Furthermore, these semiconductors with a high chemical affinity for carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen have a potential to produce a variety of its organic derivatives hybridized at the molecular level.