Photo- and electro-luminescence of cadmium selenide nanocrystals and nanocomposites

► CdSe nanocrystals and CdSe/PVA nanocomposites have been prepared by chemical method. ► Photoluminescence of nanocrystals shows a single peak whereas nanocomposite gives two peaks. ► Electroluminescence is found to start at certain threshold voltage and then increase with voltage. ► Nanocomposites give better electroluminescence as compared to nanocrystals. ► The PL and EL intensities increase with reduction in particle size.