Abstract: A composite of the invention is a homogenous mixture of room temperature vulcanizing material or polymer and luminescent silicon nanoparticles. The composite can be formed into a film and can serve as a paint, adhesive, or coating, depending upon the material or polymer used. A preferred polymer is polyurethane. A method for forming a silicon nanoparticle and room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) material or polymer composite of the invention includes steps of providing silicon nanoparticles that were prepared in a solvent. The solvent is mixed with RTV or polymer precursors. The RTV or polymer components are permitted to cure. A preferred solvent is isopropynol alcohol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide, among other things, a method of preparing nanoparticles including silicon nanoparticles. A mixture is prepared that includes auric acid (HAuCl4) and HF. A silicon substrate is exposed to the prepared mixture to treat the silicon substrate. The treated silicon substrate is immersed in an etchant mixture, wherein nanoparticles are formed on a surface of the substrate. The nanoparticles are recovered from the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic nanosilicon material comprising silicon nanoparticles impregnated with magnetic atoms. This magnetic nanosilicon material has both luminescent and magnetic properties. In certain embodiments of the invention, magnetic nanosilicon material is encapsulated in a polymer or silica sphere to provide a supermolecule. Supermolecules can be used in applications such as but not limited to detection and imaging.

Abstract: A one-dimensional super capacitor thread has thin conductive wire electrode. An active layer of silicon nanoparticles and polyaniline surrounds the electrode. An electrolyte layer surrounds the active layer. The electrolyte layer can be a layer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A super capacitor can be formed with two or more of the threads, such as in a twisted pair configuration. The dimensions of the super capacitor can approximate standard threads used in clothing, for example.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide silicon-based nanoparticle composites, where the silicon nanoparticles are highly luminescent. Preferred embodiments of the invention are Si—O solid composite networks, e.g., glass, having a homogenous distribution of luminescent hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles in a homogenous distribution throughout the solid. Embodiments of the invention also provide fabrication processes for silicon-based silicon nanoparticle composites. A preferred method for forming a silicon-based nanoparticle composite disperses hydrogen terminated silicon nanoparticles and an inorganic precursor of an organosilicon gel in an aprotic solvent to form a sol. A catalyst is mixed into the sol. The sol is then permitted to dry into a gel of the silicon-based nanoparticle composite.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is luminescent silicon nanoparticle polymer composite that can serve as a wavelength converter or a UV absorber. The composite includes a polymer or an organosilicon compound; and within the polymer or organosilicon compound, a dispersion of luminescent silicon nanoparticles. In a preferred composite, the silicon nanoparticles have multiple Si—H termination sites, the silicon nanoparticles being linked to a C site to produce a silicon carbide bond (Si—C). In a preferred embodiment, the polymer comprises polyurethane. A composite of the invention can perform wavelength conversion. In a wavelength converted film of the invention, the silicon nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer or organosilicon compound in a quantity sufficient for wavelength conversion but small enough to have no or an insubstantial effect on the properties of the polymer or the organosilicon compound. A white LED of the invention includes a light emitting diode having a narrow band wavelength output.