In situ synthesis of transparent fluorescent ZnS-polymer nanocomposite hybrids through catalytic chain transfer polymerization technique

We report the controllable synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocrystals (NCs)/polymer transparent nanocomposite hybrids in situ based on the catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) technique. Firstly, a polymeric ligand PMAA [PMAA = poly(acrylic acid)] with controllable low-molecular-weight and a terminal double bond was synthesized through CCTP. Secondly, with the use of this versatile polymeric ligand containing a large number of anchors as the stabilizer, the ZnS NCs were fabricated. Finally, the surface polymeric ligands containing terminal double bonds were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate monomer to form NCs-polymer hybrids through free radical polymerization. The properties of as-prepared ZnS NCs and their nanocomposite hybrids were thoroughly investigated by Fourier transform Raman spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible, photoluminescence, and thermogravimetric analyses measurements. The spectroscopic studies reveal that ZnS-polymer nanocomposite hybrids have good optical properties.