Lead Sulfide Nanocrystal-Polymer Composites for Optoelectronic Applications

Summary: Nanocomposite films were prepared by two methods in which lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals were contained in an organic matrix. One method used a wet chemical synthesis of the nanocrystals in the direct presence of a polymer, where the polymer controlled nanocrystal growth. The second method was gaseous deposition of nanocrystals into the organic phase. The two methods were similar in that the nanocrystals in the composites were free from surfactant capping layers that otherwise would add an interfacial region between the nanocrystal and the organic matrix. The gaseous deposition technique had several advantages over the wet chemical synthesis in that it allowed direct control over nanocrystal size and density, improved flexibility in the choice of organic phase, and was compatible with lithographic methods.     

球状、立方状及空心立方状PbS纳米晶的控制合成及其形成机理

以醋酸铅为铅源,硫代乙酰胺为硫源,在表面活性剂十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)和十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTAB)共同作用下,通过简单地调节水热反应的反应温度控制合成出球状、立方状和空心立方状PbS纳米晶。利用XRD、TEM对合成产物的结构和形貌进行了表征,发现合成的球状、立方状和空心立方状PbS纳米晶尺寸均一,直径为100 nm左右。对球状、立方状和空心立方状PbS纳米晶的形成机理进行了初探,结果表明反应温度较低时,水热反应初始阶段形成的PbS小颗粒呈球形,在表面活性剂SDS的烷基链模板和CTAB微胶束软模板共同作用下生成球状PbS纳米晶;反应温度较高时,水热反应初始阶段形成的PbS小颗粒由于自身的立方相岩盐晶体结构的影响有呈立方状趋势,在SDS和CTAB共同作用下产物堆积成空心立方体状或立方状。     

Synthesis and photophysics of leadsulphide nanocrystallites

Nanoparticles of lead sulphide have been stabilized in the presence of excess Pb²⁺ in aqueous basic medium by a simple chemical route of synthesis. These PbS nanoparticles were synthesized very conveniently at room temperature using hexametaphosphate as stabilizer. These nanoparticles have an absorption extending into the NIR region. A significant quantum confinement effect made the bandgap of lead sulphide nanoparticles produce a blue shift from 0.41 eV to about 1.5 eV. The size and morphology of the particles were studied by TEM. Particles were relatively small sized (about 6 nm) having narrow size distribution. XRD data analysis indicate that the product is a mixture of PbS, PbO and Pb(OH)₂. Both XRD pattern and HRTEM images confirm the crystalline structure of lead sulphide crystals. IR spectroscopy indicates the formation of PbS. PbS nanoparticles were fairly stable and could be stored for about three weeks at room temperature and for about two months at 5°C without agglomeration. These particles were photoactive and sensitized the reaction of aniline by light leading to the formation of azobenzene.     

Energy transfer dynamics of nanocrystal-polymer composites

Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to examine the photoluminescent properties of nanocrystal-polymer composites consisting of colloidal PbS nanocrystals blended with poly(2-methoxy-5(2-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene). Quenching of the emission from the conjugated polymer due to the PbS nanocrystals is observed along with band edge emission from the ligand capped PbS nanocrystals. A decrease in the photoluminescence lifetime of MEH-PPV is also observed in the thin film nanocrystal-polymer composite materials. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy of the PbS nanocrystal emission from the composite shows features attributed to MEH-PPV providing evidence of a F?rster transfer process.     

Bis(4-methylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) and Bis(4-benzylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) as Precursors for Lead Sulphide Nano Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Rhodamine B

Bis(4-methylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) and bis(4-benzylpiperidine-1-carbodithioato)-lead(II) were prepared and their molecular structures elucidated using single crystal X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were used as precursors for the preparation of lead sulphide nano photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B. The single crystal structures of the lead(II) dithiocarbamate complexes show mononuclear lead(II) compounds in which each lead(II) ion coordinates two dithiocarbamato anions in a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The compounds were thermolyzed at 180 ℃ in hexadecylamine (HDA), octadecylamine (ODA), and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) to prepare HDA, ODA, and TOPO capped lead sulphide (PbS) nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) patterns of the lead sulphide nanoparticles were indexed to the rock cubic salt crystalline phase of lead sulphide. The lead sulphide nanoparticles were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of rhodamine B with ODA-PbS1 achieving photodegradation efficiency of 45.28% after 360 min. The photostability and reusability studies of the as-prepared PbS nanoparticles were studied in four consecutive cycles, showing that the percentage degradation efficiency decreased slightly by about 0.51–1.93%. The results show that the as-prepared PbS nanoparticles are relatively photostable with a slight loss of photodegradation activities as the reusability cycles progress.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Lead Sulfide Nanoparticles in Zirconia-Silica-Urethane Thin Films Prepared by the Sol-Gel Process

PbS nanocrystals (NCs) ranging between 4–8 nm were incorporated into Zirconium-Silica-Urethane (ZSUR) matrix obtained by the sol-gel method. The sizes of the particles were controlled by temperature treatment and by concentration of PbS in ZSUR matrix. The sizes of PbS NCs were determined by TEM measurements. The quantum size effect could also be extracted from optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra. The new matrix allows incorporation of up to 40% PbS forming a characteristic structure of dendrite by reacting lead acetate with ammonium thiocyanate in sol-gel matrix. The sol precursors of the matrix for Zirconium-Silica-Urethane contained zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) matrix solution, tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), 3-glycid oxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GLYMO) and polyethylene urethane silane (PEUS) synthesized separately. The ZrO₂ matrix solution was obtained from zirconium n-tetrapropoxide in propanol and acetic acid was used as a chelating agent to stabilize the zirconium oxide precursor.     

Functional inorganic nanofillers for transparent polymers

The integration of inorganic nanoparticles into polymers has been used for the functionalization of polymer materials with great success. Whereas in traditional polymer composites, micron sized particles or agglomerates typically cause significant light scattering hampering optical applications, in nanocomposites the particle dimensions are small enough for the production of highly transparent composites. A challenge for the generation of such materials is to develop an integrated synthesis strategy adapting particle generation, surface modification and integration inside the polymer. Surface grafting using polymerizable surfactants or capping agents allows for linking the particles to the polymer. Novel techniques such as in situ polymerization and in situ particle processing are beneficial to avoid aggregation of inorganic particles inside the polymer matrix. The functions associated with inorganic fillers are widespread. Layered silicates and related materials are nowadays commercially available for improving mechanical and barrier properties in packaging. With the availability of highly transparent materials, the focus has shifted towards optical functions such as luminescence and UV-protection in transparent polymers. IR-active fillers are used in laser-holography for transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites. Refractive index modulation and ultrahigh refractive index films were developed based on inorganic materials such as PbS. The integration of magnetic nanoparticles has a great potential for applications such as electromagnetic interference shielding and magneto-optical storage.This tutorial review will summarize functions associated with the integration of inorganic nanofillers in polymers with a focus on optical properties.     

Design of TiO2@graphene nanosheets with rough surface and its reinforcement to polyarylene ether nitriles

The interfacial interaction is extremely important when dealing with filler‐reinforced polymer materials. Herein, in order to improve the interfacial interaction with the polyarylene ether nitriles (PEN) matrix, a three‐dimensional rough structure was designed. First, needle‐like TiO₂ nanocrystals were grown on each surface of the graphene. Morphology analysis proved that rough TiO₂ nanocrystals were coated on the graphene nanosheets. Then, TiO₂@graphene/PEN composites were fabricated to investigate the filler–matrix interaction. Thereafter, the different polymer chains could be interlocked by the TiO₂ “needles” when the rough TiO₂@graphene was embedded into the polymer resin. The surrounding PEN polymer chains (work as ropes) could tie to the “needles” (work as wood pile). That is to say, the effective polymer chain length was greatly lengthened, resulting in the improvement of interfacial interactions and mechanical properties. Most importantly, the morphology, mechanical and rheological tests of the composites also proved the improvement of interfacial interactions and mechanical properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In situ hydrophobized, shape-anisotropic nanoparticles for composite materials

An inverse emulsion technique which allows the anisotropic growth of a broad variety of inorganic nanoparticles, together with an efficient hydrophobization, is described. This method is based upon the combined use of amphiphilic copolymers, which act as emulsifiers as well as compatibilizers, and structure-directing agents that control the crystallization of the inorganic nanoparticles. As a consequence, water-soluble, structure-directing agents can now be applied for the synthesis of hydrophobic, shape-anisotropic nanocrystals. More precisely, spherical, rod-like, and branched CdS as well as Au nanoparticles were prepared. Due to their excellent hydrophobization, these particles were homogeneously incorporated into a poly(2-ethylhexyl methacrylate) matrix. Their shape-dependent properties were transferred to nanocomposites as demonstrated for branched CdS nanocrystals. In comparison to more traditional materials composed of branched CdS nanoparticles, which are stabilized by low molecular weight amphiphiles, our composites show much less scattering. This is due to the homogenous distribution of the nanoparticles in the matrix.     

Synthesis,structural and electrical characterization of PbS NCs in titania sol–gel films

Nanocrystals of lead sulfide were grown in TiO₂ (titania) thin films prepared by a sol-gel process. The synthetic procedure as well as the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the films are demonstrated. The structures and morphology of PbS nanocrystals were analyzed using HRTEM, SAED, AFM, HRSEM, XRD and EDAX elemental analysis technique. When the concentration of PbS in the titania matrix is 20 mol%, PbS NCs with a diameter of 2.0 nm are created. At a higher PbS concentration (> 40 mole%) in the titania matrix, PbS NCs and PbS clusters are created not only within the TiO₂ film but also on the external surface of the TiO₂ film. By increasing the PbS concentration up to 50 mol%, PbS nanocrystals of 6–8 nm in diameter are formed within the titania film and PbS clusters with a base size of about 100 nm² and a height up to about 20 nm were self assembled on the external surface of TiO₂ film. Quantum size effect and band gap energies were obtained from shifts of the absorption edge. For electrical measurements, PbS–TiO₂ films were deposited on an ITO/glass substrate, and then covered with gold contact. The electrical properties of ITO/PbS NCs–TiO₂/Au and ITO/PbS NCs–TiO₂/PbS cluster/Au structures were studied. I–V characteristics of the one layer structure are nearly linear and symmetric, while those of the two-layer structure exhibit rectifying behavior.     

Permanent antistatic phthalocyanine/epoxy nanocomposites - Influence of crosslinking agent, solvent and processing temperature

Cross-linked epoxy matrices containing small amounts of semi-conductive phthalocyanine (Phthalcon) nanoparticles were prepared using different crosslinking agents and processing temperatures. A starting mixture containing an optimum dispersion of these nanoparticles and with an almost equal and large Hamaker constant was always used. Nevertheless large differences in the relation between the volume conductivity σ_v and the particle concentration φ were found and this relation appeared to be sensitive to small changes in processing temperature and the application of a post-cure. Also the amine crosslinker chosen and the initial amount of solvent (catalyst) in the starting dispersion had a major effect. It was shown that these changes influence strongly the formation of and the final conductive fractal particle network morphology through the polymer matrix. During processing a local relaxation of the initially formed fractal particle network into another fractal particle network was often observed, which introduced or enlarged the amount of isolating material between the particles of the conductive network and changed the fractality and structure of the conductive backbone of the particle network. This local relaxation lowered the σ_v at each phthalcon concentration and enlarged φ_c by several orders of magnitude. The occurrence of local relaxation is dependent on the rate of viscosity change during the crosslinking of the polymer matrix components, the way the fractal conductive particle network is formed during processing (universal or non-universal) and the amount of solvent present. Local relaxation may even occur after the gel point of the polymer matrix. A severe post-cure may be needed to stop this local relaxation. To our knowledge local relaxation of a (fractal) nanoparticle network in a polymer matrix during processing is a new phenomenon, not reported before for polymer composites containing (conductive) nanoparticles.     

Synthesis and properties of transparent luminescent nanocomposites with surface functionalized semiconductor nanocrystals

5-Amino-1,10-phenanthroline (Aphen) was used as an organic ligand to functionalize CdS nanocrystals (NCs) by a ligand-exchange process. The functional Aphen-CdS NCs have strong luminescent emission at 552 nm and good dispersibility in the polar organic monomers. The Aphen-CdS NCs were dispersed in polymeric monomers to prepare a series of transparent luminescent nanocomposites with excellent thermal stability via in-situ bulk polymerization. The fluorescent properties of the Aphen-CdS NCs were well retained in the polymer matrix. It was found that when the methacrylic acid (MAA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as the comonomers were introduced into the polymer matrix, the emission peaks of the resultant nanocomposites had a blue shift and the fluorescent intensities also increased due to the interaction between NCs and the polymer matrices. The transparent NCs/polymer nanocomposites with tunable fluorescent emission can be potentially used for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.     

POLY（N-ISOPROPYL ACRYLAMIDE） MICROGEL DOPED WITH LUMINESCENT PBS QUANTUM DOTS

Thiol-stabilized PbS quantum dots （QDs） with dimensions 3-5 nm capped with a mixture of 1-thioglycerol/dithioglycerol （TGL/DTG） were coUoidally prepared at room temperature. Room temperature photoluminescence quantum efficiency of freshly prepared PbS QDs （7%-11%） remained higher than 5% upon aging for three weeks when the nanocrystals （NCs） were stored in an ice-bath in the dark, and higher than 5%for at least five weeks when extra DTG ligands were introduced into the nanocrystal solution followed by stirring every two weeks. Poly（N-isopropyl acrylamide） （PNIPAM） microgels were produced via precipitation polymerization with dimensions of ca. 230 nm and polydispersity of 3-5%. Incorporation of PbS QDs into PNIPAM microgels indicated that PbS can be incorporated into the interior of microgel particles and not at the microgel interface. The combination of reasonable room temperature quantum efficiency and strong, efficient luminescence covering the 1.3-1.55 μm telecommunication window makes these nanoparticles promising materials in optical devices and telecommunications.     

The synthesis of free-standing films of polymer/nanocarbon composites using the carbon nanopowder's buoyancy

In this work we report the synthesis of free-standing films of polymer/nanocarbon composites. The method consists in forming a thin film of carbon nanoparticles onto the water's surface. Through the free infiltration of the polymer between the nanoparticles which form the film, after the polymer is cured, we obtain free-standing films of polymer/nanocarbon composites. The composite films are homogeneous; they have 5 wt.% carbon nanoparticles within the polymer matrix and are a few micrometers in thickness.     

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT OF POLYMERS BY THE ADDITION OF GRAFTED NANO-INORGANIC PARTICLES

An irradiation grafting method was applied for the modification of nanoparticles so that the latter can be added topolymeric materials for improving their mechanical performance using existing compounding techniques. The followingitems are discussed in this paper: (a) chemical interaction between the grafting monomers and the nanoparticles duringirradiation, (b) properties including modulus, yield strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of the resultantcomposites, and (c) possible morphological changes induced by the addition of nanoparticles. Though irradiation graftingpolymerization, nanoparticle agglomerates turn into a nano-composite microstructure (comprised of the nanoparticles and thegrafted, homopolymerized secondary polymer), which in turn builds up a strong interfacial interaction with the surrounding,primary polymeric matrix during the subsequent mixing procedure. Due to the fact that different grafting polymers broughtabout different nanoparticle/matrix interfacial features, microstructures and properties of the ultimate composites could thusbe tailored. It was found that the reinforcing and toughening effects of the nanoparticles on the polymer matrix can be fullybrought into play at a rather low filler loading in comparison to conventional particulate filled composites.     

Preparation and photoelectric properties of organoinorganic polymer nanocomposites on the basis of ultradispersed molybdenum disulfide particles

Photoconducting nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating nanoparticles obtained by monolayer dispersion of crystalline molybdenum disulfide into various polymer matrices (nonconducting and p-or n-type conducting). The shift of the absorption spectrum caused by changes in the concentration of MoS₂ nanoparticles demonstrated that such particles exhibit a quantum-size effect, the characteristics of which were found to be determined by the efficiency of their stabilization in each of the polymer matrices. Studying the photoelectric sensitivity of films of n-type-conduction composites on the basis of polymethylphenylsiloxane modified with 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (an electron acceptor) units demonstrated that molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles possess acceptor properties (characterized by an electron affinity energy of E _a > 2 eV, in agreement with the observation that composite films based on poly(N-epoxypropylcarbazole (a p-type-conduction matrix) doped with p-diethylaminobenzaldehyde-N,N-diphenylhydrazone (an effective donor), exhibit an enhancement in the proper photosensitivity of the p-type-conduction matrix in its absorption band (λ < 400 nm). For large molybdenum disulfide particles capable of absorbing light with λ > 600 nm (formed at a MoS₂ concentration of > 2.0 wt %), a weakening of the acceptor properties was observed, a feature responsible for decreases in the photosensitivity and the quantum yield of the photogeneration of holes and for the capture of holes in traps. A mechanism of the photogeneration of charge carriers with the participation of the phototransfer of electrons leading to the formation of electron-hole pairs was discussed.     

溶胶-凝胶法制备Polyme/MS/SiO2(M=Pb,Cd)复合纳米材料

采用溶胶-凝胶结合水热结晶技术,可成功把高聚物引入MS-SiO2网络结构,合成一种新型的有机-无机硫化物即Polymer/MS/SiO2(M=Pb,Cd)复合纳米材料,其中聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯或聚丙烯酰胺等高聚物的引入将有效地防止无机粒子团聚,控制粒子尺寸,前者还能形成核-壳结构复合粒子.作者还详细讨论了该复合纳米材料的热分析,结果表明,聚合物的存在提高了原有MS-SiO2(M=Pb,Cd)材料的热稳定性.     

Effect of particle size,dispersion, and particle–matrix adhesion on W reinforced polymer composites

W dispersed mixed polymers of ethylene propylene monomer and high density polyethylene were prepared by means of a twin-screw extruder by the conventional technique using a co-rotated two-roll mill. The W nanoparticles used as filler were prepared by pulse wire evaporation then coated with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as polymeric surfactant. Surface treatment of the nanoparticles with LDPE was conducted to enhance the wettability and lubrication of the fillers in the polymer matrix. According to SEM images and mechanical properties, dispersion of W/LDPE nanoparticles in the polymer matrix was homogeneous, and adhesion of the nanoparticles to the matrix was strong. The polymer nanocomposites had better mechanical properties than those containing dispersed micro-W powder. The γ-ray attenuation factor of nanofiller-reinforced composites was substantially enhanced compared with that containing micro filler.     

Quantum dots tailored with poly(para-phenylene vinylene)

In polymernanoparticle composites, uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles carries advantages over cases where nanoparticle aggregation dominates. Such dispersion has been particularly difficult to obtain in the case of composites prepared from nanoparticles and conjugated polymers. Here, we show that cadmium selenide nanocrystals, or quantum dots, can be integrated into thin films of poly(para-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) without aggregation. The two key departures from previous studies of quantum-dot/electronic polymer composites are (1) the synthesis of high-quality quantum dots directly in novel, functional ligands, thus eliminating the need for ligand exchange, and (2) polymerization chemistry that grafts PPV to the quantum dot surface. Solid-state photoluminescence spectra of composite materials prepared by these novel techniques reveal the critical importance of the quantum dot-polymer interface that will enable new investigations in nanoparticle-based light-emitting devices.     

超声引发无皂乳液聚合制备纳米银/PAAEM复合材料及其表征

在不使用气体保护及乳化剂的条件下,超声辐射引发无皂乳液聚合双原位合成纳米银/聚乙酰乙酸基甲基丙烯酸乙酯(PAAEM)复合材料。并通过XRD、FTIR、TEM、HRTEM、XPS和TG等分析方法对其进行表征。结果表明:纳米银粒子具有面心立方结构和球形或近球形形貌,且较均匀地分散在聚合物基体中;纳米银粒子与基体之间的相互作用是纳米银与基体中乙酰乙酸基的羰基氧原子配位所产生的;而且纳米银粒子对基体PAAEM的热学性能有很大影响。