Development of porous silicon matrix and characteristics of porous silicon/tin oxide structures

► PSi has been coated with SnO2 for the first time by sol-gel spin coating. ► The SnO2 fills the pores as well as the sides of the PSi pillars. ► Heat treatment at 400°C yields monophase SnO2. ► SEM pictures confirm the formation of SnO2 nanocrystals over the PSi pillars. ► Room temperature Photoluminescence of PSi reveals quantum confinement effect due to the presence of nano silicon pillars inside the pores.