Stability of the Luminescent Properties of Nanosilicon Coated With Nitrogen Heterocyclic Carbene

ABSTRACT The color cathodoluminescence of nanosilicon stabilized with organic ligands of different donor–acceptor nature was studied for the first time. The dependence of cathodoluminescence intensity and spectral composition on the dose of 18‐keV electron irradiation was obtained. For most of the samples studied, an increase in the intensity of cathodoluminescence lines associated with nanosilicon was observed at low radiation doses, while a significant decrease in intensities at high radiation doses was present. The nanosilicon (nc‐Si) sample, which was stabilized by nitrogen heterocyclic carbene (electron–donor nature), showed the best stability against atmospheric factors and resistance to electron irradiation.