Hybrid nanocomposites based on CdS and CdSe colloidal nanocrystals in organic polymers

Abstract

High quality luminescent CdS and CdSe nanocrystals, with tuneable band edge emission, were synthesized by means of thermal decomposition of precursors in organic solvents, incorporated in polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) and deposited by casting, yielding optically transparent luminescent films. The obtained nanocomposite films were characterized by spectroscopical (UV-vis absorption and emission) and structural (TEM analysis) techniques. The effect of NC composition, concentration, size, and surface chemistry was evaluated in order to understand the role played by such factors in the nanocomposite optical properties for both the investigated polymers. The presence of organic ligand shell was demonstrated to be critical for the NCs incorporation into the polymer matrix.

TiO2nanorods/PMMA copolymer-based nanocomposites: highly homogeneous linear and nonlinear optical material

“…For this reason a critical challenge in the design of these inorganic-organic systems is to control the mixing between the two dissimilar phases and several chemical approaches have been applied to overcome this problem [7]. To obtain dispersed inorganic fillers in a polymeric matrix two general methods are usually followed: (i) 'in situ' synthesis of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix [8,9] or 'in situ' polymerization of an organic matrix around inorganic nanoparticles [10] and (ii) incorporation of 'ex situ' synthesized nanoparticles in pre-made organic polymers with the use of a common solvent [11,12]. The former may produce undesired species in the matrix, coming either from products of the nanoparticle synthesis process or from the polymerization steps [13].…”

Nanocrystal‐Based Luminescent Composites for Nanoimprinting Lithography

“…Indeed they are considered a high‐impact class of materials, able to convey the unique size‐dependent properties of nanosized particles into highly processable polymers, characterized by peculiar mechanical and optical qualities 4. 5 The realized nanocomposites may then exhibit extraordinary optical6, 7 and magnetic8 properties, as well as conductivity,9, 10 permeability,11 catalytic activity,12 and mechanical strength 13. At the same time, these functional materials are suitable for flexible and innovative fabrication processes, allowing for micro‐ and nanometric patterning required for the manufacture of original devices in photonic and optoelectronic applications 14.…”