Are Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles Formed in a One-Pot Aqueous Synthesis?

Critical analysis of the data reported by Zhong et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135 (22), 8350–8356) is carried out. In particular, one of the main results of Zhong et al. concerning the formation of photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) in an aqueous solution of (3-aminopropyl)­trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and trisodium citrate dihydrate (Na₃Cit) under microwave heating is impugned. These results are reconsidered here because of what appear to be significant inaccuracies and misinterpretations that have been spread through a wide number of other subsequent publications.