Properties of an amorphous silicon dioxide nanopowder prepared by pulsed electron beam evaporation

Abstract

An amorphous SiO2 nanopowder with a specific surface area of 154 m2/g has been prepared using pulsed electron beam evaporation of a target from a pyrogenic amorphous Aerosil 90 nanopowder (90 m2/g). It has been found that SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit improved magnetic, thermal, and optical properties as compared to the properties of particles of the Aerosil 90 nanopowder. Possible factors responsible for the appearance of ferromagnetism at room temperature in the amorphous SiO2 nanopowder formed upon electron beam evaporation have been discussed. The photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of the SiO2 nanopowder have been investigated.