Effect of electrosteric stabilization of TiO2 nanoparticles on photophysical properties of organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite

Hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites are considered one of the most significant research areas due to their enhanced optoelectronic properties. This article is a detailed investigation of the effect of stabilization and dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the photophysical properties of the conjugated polymer, (poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)1,4-phenylenevinylene (MEH-PPV). To obtain a colloidally stable nano-particle dispersion, electrosteric stabilization of TiO2 in the MEH-PPV matrix is attempted. This work demon-strates the efficient electrostatic stabilization of TiO2 nanoparticle dispersion based on pH, zeta potential, and synthesis route. Further steric stabilization was achieved through in situ polymerization of MEH-PPV on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles, which further reduced the van der Waal force of attraction (VFA). As a result of the combination of electrostatic and steric (electrosteric) stabilization, MEH-PPV: TiO2 hybrid nanocomposites with reduced polymer defects were successfully produced, resulting in improved absorbance, reduced non-radiative recombination rates, and long-term stability.

Automated summary

This article investigates the effect of stabilization and dispersion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in the conjugated polymer MEH-PPV. The study demonstrates the efficient electrostatic stabilization of TiO2 nanoparticle dispersion based on pH, zeta potential, and synthesis route. In situ polymerization of MEH-PPV on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles further achieves steric stabilization, resulting in improved absorbance, reduced non-radiative recombination rates, and long-term stability.