Size-controlled growth of cubic boron phosphide nanocrystals

Abstract

We report a new synthetic route for cubic boron phosphide (BP) nanocrystals with diameters of 2 to 6 nm. The key concept of the synthesis process is reduction of oxides of B and P in silicon (Si)-rich borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) into cubic BP crystals by excess Si. The size of the cubic BP crystals is controlled by the composition of the starting materials. Free-standing cubic BP nanocrystals are extracted into solution by etching out BPSG matrices. The successful growth of size controlled cubic BP nanocrystals opens the way for the development of cubic BP nanocrystal-based optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.