We report the preparation of single-crystal silicon nanoparticles with 15 to 22 nm diameter from calcium disilicide (CaSi2) by redox assisted chemical exfoliation using solution phase synthesis route. Silicon nanoparticles are found to be highly oriented with a predominant size of 18 nm. X-Ray diffraction, as well as transmission electron microscopy studies, confirm that the silicon nanoparticles are a diamond type and highly crystalline
