Photostable Polymer/Si Nanocrystal Bulk Hybrids with Tunable Photoluminescence

Abstract

Solid polymer/Si nanocrystal bulk nanocomposites were fabricated from solutions of alkene- and hydride-terminated silicon nanocrystals (NCs) in toluene. The photoluminescence peak position of hydride-terminated SiNCs before polymerization was tuned by photoassisted hydrofluoric acid etching. Optical properties of obtained PMMA/NC hybrids, such as quantum yield, luminescence lifetime, and dispersion factor, were evaluated over time. Photostability of these transparent bulk polymer/SiNC hybrids over months was confirmed. The emission covers the visible to near-infrared range with a quantum yield of ∼30–40% for yellow-red nanocomposites.