Fluorescent silicon nanomaterials: from synthesis to functionalization and application

In the last decade, we have witnessed the giant achievement in the field of silicon materials. Among of them, fluorescent silicon nanomaterials have attracted considerable attentions owing to their unique advantages, including strong fluorescence coupled with robust photostability, rich resource support, low cost, industrial maturity, and good biocompatibility. Extensive efforts are devoted to developing effective methods for the synthesis and functionalization of fluorescent silicon nanomaterials with different nanostructures, facilitating the promotion of this promising material for myriad optical applications. In this review article, we systematically summarize representative progresses for the design and synthesis of fluorescent silicon nanomaterials during the last decade. We also present an in-depth description of functionalization strategies toward fluorescent silicon nanomaterials, with a particular focus on organic ligands-modification, doping and biological species-modification methods. Furthermore, typical optical applications (e.g., bioimaging, sensing, anti-counterfeiting and anti-bacterial applications) are introduced based on latest research achievements. Finally, future trends and current challenges are highlighted as a roadmap proposal for research in this field.