Novel preparation of Ag2S nanoparticles embedded in photoluminescent polymer nanofibres

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the preparation process and the photoluminescent properties of poly‐(phenylene vinylene) (PPV)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Ag2S composite nanofibres.Design/methodology/approachA simple method coupling electrospinning technology and in situ self‐assembly was used to prepare PPV/PVA/Ag2S nanofibres from the solution containing precursory PPV, PVA and silver nitrate (AgNO3). The photoluminescent properties of the PPV/PVA/Ag2S composite nanofibres were characterised by fluorescence microscopy and eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer.FindingsThe Ag2S nanoparticles were well dispersed in the PPV/PVA/Ag2S composite nanofibres, and their dimension was in the range of 10‐40 nm. Excessive doping of Ag2S nanoparticles will lead to rough and uneven fibres' surface.Research limitations/implicationsThe size of Ag2S nanoparticles in the fibres was not uniform enough and the orientation of composite nanofibres was hardly controlled.Practical implicationsThe coupling of electrospinning technology and in situ self‐assembly opened a new gate for preparing other nanoparticles doped composite nanofibres.Originality/valueThe in situ growing of Ag2S nanoparticles in PPV nanofibre improved the excellent properties of composite nanofibres. The morphology of composite nanofibres can be efficaciously controlled via adjusting the ratio between AgNO3 and polymer. The obtained PPV/PVA/Ag2S composite nanofibres will have potential applications in nano‐optoelectronic devices.