Gold nanoclusters–organometallic polymer nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization

The synthesis and characterization of Au nanoparticle–Pt(II)diethynylbiphenyl polymer nanocomposites are reported. Stable dodecanethiol-functionalized Au nanoclusters (2 nm < diameter < 10 nm) were obtained following two colloidal routes: two-phase aqueous/organic and one-phase organic methods. The size, shape and crystalline structure of the nanoparticles were determined by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The hybrid nanocomposite material, obtained by dispersion of Au nanocrystals in the bulk polymer, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The optical spectroscopy measurements show that the characteristic polymer PL emission at λ = 402 nm is quenched if the nanocomposite is doped with small sized AuNPs (∼ 3 nm), however, if larger AuNPs (∼ 9 nm) are dispersed in the nanocomposite, an enhanced PL emission occurs.