One-step synthesis and photoluminescence properties of polycarbazole spheres and Ag/polycarbazole core/shell composites

► A facile surfactant-assisted chemical solution approach was exploited. ► Ag/PCz core-shell nanoparticle is about 30 nm. ► The synergistic luminescence behaviors of Ag/PCz were displayed in violet and blue region. ► PVP in the process of synthesizing the composites is discussed rationally.