Controlling the Nature of Etched Si Nanostructures: High- versus Low-Load Metal-Assisted Catalytic Etching (MACE) of Si Powders

Metal-assisted catalytic etching (MACE) involving Ag deposited on Si particles has been reported as a facile method for the production of Si nanowires (Si NWs). We show that the structure of Si particles subjected to MACE changes dramatically in response to changing the loading of the Ag catalyst. The use of acetic acid as a surfactant and controlled injection of AgNO3(aq) enhanced Ag deposition. The use of acetic acid and controlled injection...