Size-tunable infrared (1000–1600 nm) electroluminescence from PbS quantum-dot nanocrystals in a semiconducting polymer

Abstract

Nanocomposites consisting of PbS nanocrystals in a conjugated polymer matrix were fabricated. We report results of photo- and electroluminescence across the range of 1000 to 1600 nm with tunability obtained via the quantum-size effect. The intensity of electroluminescence reached values corresponding to an internal quantum efficiency up to 1.2%. We discuss the impact of using different-length capping ligands on the transfer of excitations from polymer matrix to nanocrystals.