A general procedure
based on electrostatic self-assembly for preparing
nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ternary chalcogenide
semiconductor nanoparticles is shown. This was achieved by surface
functionalization of the single components through well-established
protocols, for CNTs, and a transferable general strategy for the nanoparticles.
Heterostructures were then synthesized through electrostatic interaction
between oppositely charged components. Structural, colloidal, and
optical properties were characterized by transmission electron microscopy,
X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering,
ζ-potential, and absorption- and (time-resolved) photoluminescence
measurements. Interestingly, the nanocomposites showed a blue shift
in their excitation and emission spectra when compared to the pure
nanoparticles but only when analyzed in powder form. Further investigations
in the form of density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed
to evaluate the origin of the change in the optical properties.