In the production of silicon nanostructures in demand in various industries, it is usually used rather toxic hydrofluoric acid, as a rule.

But hydrofluoric acid is toxic to the environment and human, and the symptoms of poisoning are difficult to recognize.

The staff  of MSU found the way to avoid its usage.

 “In this work, hydrofluoric acid (HF) was replaced by a much less toxic ammonium fluoride (NH4F). The mechanism of the formation of nanowires on the surface of monocrystalline silicon substrates has been studied by electrochemical methods.

The structural and optical properties of the obtained silicon nanowires have been investigated.

This feature allows the use of such nanowires to create an anti-reflective coating for solar cells.

The results have been published in the prestigious international journal Frontiers in Chemistry.