Role of shell type of core/shell nanoparticles in luminescence properties of PVK-CdS/X nanocomposite films

In the present work, the organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposites of polyvinyl carbazole (PVK) with differently (bare, CdO, ZnS, ZnO) capped CdS nanoparticles were evaluated for their luminescent properties. The bare CdS and CdS/X nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation and PVK-CdS/X nanocomposites were prepared by spin coating technique. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopic techniques. The crystallite size was calculated from the XRD data while the TEM patterns confirm the spherical shape of the nanoparticles. The addition of CdS/ZnS nanoparticles gave the highest luminescence while CdS/CdO nanoparticles favor the decreased luminescence of PVK in PVK-CdS/X nanocomposites. The variation in luminescence is also supported by the analysis of fluoresce decay curves. These results are very important in selecting the shell material in core/shell nanoparticles to be incorporated in the development of new and efficient materials.