Optical properties of polymer-embedded silicon nanoparticles

We seek to use electrically conducting polymers, such as those commonly utilized in polymeric LEDs, as hosts for silicon nanoparticles. The proper design of multilayered devices based on these materials will yield efficient light-emitters in which charge carriers localize and recombine within the nanoparticles. Furthermore, these may combine the flexibility and processability of polymeric LEDs with the reliability of inorganic materials. We have synthesized luminescent silicon nanoparticles and have characterized their photoluminescence (PL) using continuous-wave and time-resolved spectroscopy. These particles have been, incorporated into a variety of transparent solid hosts. The photoluminescence obtained from particle-containing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices is very similar to that of the particles in solution, both in spectral content and PL decay characteristics. However, when incorporated into a variety of conducting polymers, such as poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK), the nanoparticles do not retain their photoluminescence properties. A variety of chemical species have been reported as effective PL quenchers for porous silicon. We believe that these polymers quench the luminescence through similar mechanisms. Protective passivation of the nanoparticle surface is suggested as a strategy for overcoming this quenching.