Synthesis of CdSe-Poly(N-vinylcarbazole) Nanocomposite by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for Potential Optoelectronic Applications

A hybrid inorganic-polymer nanocomposite using CdSe nanocrystals with high electron mobility has been successfully synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). First the hydroxyl-coated CdSe nanoparticles (i.e., CdSe-OH) were prepared via a wet chemical route. A polymerization initiator was then prepared for ATRP of N-vinylcarbazole. FT-IR, (1)H NMR, and XRD analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of CdSe-poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) nanohybrid. UV-Vis spectra and photoluminescence data revealed that grafting of PVK onto the surface of CdSe nanocrystals would reduce the band gap of PVK and cause the red shift of emission peak. TEM and SEM micrographs exhibited CdSe nanoparticles that were well-coated with PVK polymer.