Gold nanoparticles deposited on linker-free silicon substrate and embedded in aluminum Schottky contact

- Gold nanoparticles (NPs) were spin-coated on linker-free Si substrates.
- Density of NPs on n-Si was significantly higher than that of p-Si substrate.
- Protonation of -OH created a net positive charge on Si thus, immobilized NPs.
- Density of NPs on Si substrate was manipulated by the number of depositions.
- Embedded NPs in Al Schottky contact raised current density of diodes.