Segmented poly(styrene-co-vinylpyridine) as multivalent host for CdSe nanocrystal based nanocomposites

• Poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine) was synthesized by using TIPNO as mediator.
• Increasing content of CdSe nanocrystals were incorporated in the copolymers.
• CdSe NC based nanocomposites were investigated as a function of NC surface and 4VP content in the copolymer.
• The copolymer was demonstrated to act as a multivalent ligand for NCs.
• The copolymer/NCs was tailored to control NC dispersion in the nanocomposite.

Nanocomposites based on colloidal CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) and a poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine), able to specifically coordinate the NC surface, have been designed and prepared. For first time, the polymer synthesis has been performed by using 2,2,5-tri-methyl-4-phenyl-3-azahexane-3-nitroxide as a mediator, increasing the percentage of 4-vinylpyridine monomeric unit, thus obtaining a random copolymer. The nanocomposite properties have been investigated as a function of NC surface chemistry and copolymer composition, by means of spectroscopic, morphological and structural characterization techniques. An improved uniformity of NC dispersion in the nanocomposite has been found at increased percentage of 4-vinylpyridine in the copolymer. The improved NC dispersion in the nanocomposite films has been discussed in terms of the ability of the copolymer to act as a multivalent ligand. The reported results offer a valuable contribution toward the design and the fabrication of innovative nanocomposite material, formed of copolymers and colloidal NCs, specifically suited for energy conversion applications.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide