Polysilanes, inks containing the same, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The polysilane may have the formula H-[(AHR)n(c-AmHpm-2)q]—H, where A is independently Si or Ge; R is H, -AaHa+1Ra, halogen, aryl or substituted aryl; (n+a)≧10 if q=0, q≧3 if n=0, and (n+q)≧6 if both n and q≠0; p is 1 or 2; and m is from 3 to 12. The method may include combining a silane compound of the formula AHaR14-a, AkHgR1′h and/or c-AmHpmR1rm with a catalyst of the formula R4xR5yMXz (or an immobilized derivative thereof) to form a poly(aryl)silane; then washing the poly(aryl)silane with an aqueous washing composition and contacting the poly(aryl)silane with an adsorbent to remove the metal M. Alternatively, the method may include halogenating a polyarylsilane and reducing the halopolysilane with a metal hydride to form the polysilane.