Silicon nanocrystals for the development of sensing platforms

Using quantum dots (QDs) in the development of fluorescence based sensors has increased over the past decade because of the unique properties of these materials. However, most demonstrated sensors have been developed based upon cadmium containing QDs that can be toxic. Alternative QD materials that have been gaining attention for sensor development are silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs); they are nontoxic and abundant, and their properties are tailorable. This review outlines the general sensing mechanisms employed for the development of QD based sensors, examples of developed SiNC sensors, and will finally conclude with future prospects of using SiNCs as sensors.