Tunable properties of porous silicon

Abstract

Data and literature are collated that emphasize the high tunability of porous silicon properties, either via manipulation of its structural parameters, via the chemistry of the large internal surface area, or via impregnation of other materials. An overview of quantitative data on more than 30 properties is tabulated and compared to those of nonporous silicon. Where available, the range of values reported to date is given. The properties showing the widest tunability to date include the visible photoluminescence (optical bandgap), mechanical stiffness, thermal conductivity, optical refractive index, electrical resistivity, biodegradability kinetics, optical reflectivity, and surface wettability.