Morphology Control in Biphasic Hybrid Systems of Semiconducting Materials

Simple blends of inorganic nanocrystals and organic (semiconducting) polymers usually lead to macroscopic segregation. Thus, such blends typically exhibit inferior properties than expected. To overcome the problem of segregation, polymer coated nanocrystals (nanocomposites) have been developed. Such nanocomposites are highly miscible within the polymer matrix. In this Review, a summary of synthetic approaches to achieve stable nanocomposites in a semiconducting polymer matrix is presented. Furthermore, a theoretical background as well as an overview concerning morphology control of inorganic NCs in polymer matrices are provided. In addition, the morphologic behavior of highly anisotropic nanoparticles (i.e. liquid crystalline phase formation of nanorod-composites) and branched nanoparticles (spatial orientation of tetrapods) is described. Finally, the morphology requirements for the application of inorganic/organic hybrid systems in light emitting diodes and solar cells are discussed, and potential solutions to achieve the required morphologies are provided.