Hybrid nanocomposites based on luminescent colloidal nanocrystals in poly(methyl methacrylate): Spectroscopical and morphological studies

We report on preparation process and optical characterization of a nanocomposite material obtained dispersing colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), namely CcIS and CdSe@ZnS core-shell system in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Such method allows a large flexibility on nanocrystal materials and on the choice of the polymer characteristics. Nanocomposite thin films were extensively investigated by means optical and morphological techniques. The effects on NC composition, concentration, size, and surface chemistry on the spectroscopical and structural behaviour of the nanocomposite properties were studied. The NC size dependent optical properties of the nanocomposites are mainly accounted by the NC composition and size, while the morphology of the films is explained on the base of the NC surface characteristics and their concentration in the nanocomposites.