ORGANOSILICON NANOSILICON COMPOSITES AND FABRICATION METHODS

Embodiments of the invention provide organosilicon silicon 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 organosilicon silicon nanoparticle composites. A preferred method for forming an organosilicon 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 organosilicon nanoparticle composite.