Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent Cu2S nanoparticles embedded in amorphous polystyrene

Very small Cu2S nanoparticles have been generated inside an amorphous polystyrene matrix by thermal decomposition of Cu(I) mercaptide molecules dissolved in the polymer. The resulting nanocomposite material was transparent, yellow colored, and characterized by a quite strong red luminescence. In particular, the sample photoluminescence (PL) spectrum showed three excitation wavelengths and a quite broad emission band resulting from the combination of band-edge and trap-state emission. However, luminescence was not stable over the time and a quenching phenomenon was observed after a time period of ca. three months.