Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a nanoparticle composition. The method includes forming a nanoparticle aerosol in a low pressure reactor, wherein the aerosol comprises MX-functional nanoparticles entrained in a gas, where M is an independently selected Group IV element and X is a functional group independently selected from H and a halogen atom. The method further includes collecting the MX-functional nanoparticles of the aerosol in a capture fluid, where the capture fluid is in fluid communication with the low pressure reactor. The capture fluid includes a polar aprotic fluid immiscible with water and having a viscosity of from 5 to 200 centipoise at 25° C. The capture fluid further includes a functionalization compound miscible with the polar aprotic fluid, the functionalization compound comprising a functional group Y reactive with the functional group X of the MX-functional nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing silicon nanoparticles in a plasma reactor including a reaction chamber presenting an inner surface. The method includes introducing a halogen gas into the reaction chamber of the plasma reactor. The method further includes igniting a plasma within the reaction chamber while the halogen gas is present within the reaction chamber. Atoms of the halogen gas at least partially form a coating on the inure surface of the reaction chamber. The method includes introducing a reactant gas mixture including a silicon precursor gas and a first inert gas into the reaction chamber of the plasma reactor. The method also includes forming the silicon nanoparticles in the plasma reactor. A silicon nanoparticles composition is also disclosed. The silicon nanoparticles composition comprises the silicon nanoparticles produced according to the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a nanoparticle composition. The method includes forming a nanoparticle aerosol in a low pressure reactor, wherein the aerosol comprises MX-functional nanoparticles entrained in a gas, where M is an independently selected Group IV element and X is a functional group independently selected from H and a halogen atom. The method further includes collecting the MX-functional nanoparticles of the aerosol in a capture fluid, where the capture fluid is in fluid communication with the low pressure reactor. The capture fluid includes a polar aprotic fluid immiscible with water and having a viscosity of from 5 to 200 centipoise at 25° C. The capture fluid further includes a functionalization compound miscible with the polar aprotic fluid, the functionalization compound comprising a functional group Y reactive with the functional group X of the MX-functional nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite article and the composite article prepared thereby are disclosed. The method comprises combining an organic compound and nanoparticles produced via a plasma process to form an organic composition. The method further comprises forming the composite article from the organic composition. The composite article comprises an organic polymer matrix with the nanoparticles dispersed in the organic polymer matrix.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite article and the composite article prepared thereby are disclosed. The method comprises combining a precursor compound and nanoparticles produced via a plasma process to form a composition. The method further comprises forming the composite article from the composition. The composite article comprises a host matrix comprising SiO4/2 units with the nanoparticles dispersed in the host matrix.

Abstract: Methods for preparing photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles and compositions of such silicon nanoparticles having unique properties are provided. Methods of preparation include the use of low pressure high frequency pulsed plasma reactors and direct fluid capture of the nanoparticles formed in the reactor.