In situ preparation of nanoparticles/polymer composites

Abstract

Nanoparticle (NP) is the matter between molecule and bulk material. It has attracted much attention in catalysis, optoelectronics and biology due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Incorporation of these NPs into the polymer matrix is one of the best methods to display their special functions, which not only stabilize the NPs but also realize the functional assembly of NPs and polymers. However, realization of this idea depends largely on the compatibility of NPs and polymers as well as the interaction between them. Therefore, many methods have been developed to prepare the composites of NPs and polymers in order to obtain the function expected. In this review, we mainly focus on the combination of in situ method with other methods to synthesize different functional one-dimension, two-dimension as well as bulk composites, which has been recently developed by our group. The most striking character of our method is the excellent compatibility between NPs and polymers which ensures a homogeneous distribution of NPs in the polymer matrix. The existence of the polymer network makes the NPs more stable, and is significant for displaying their functions. in situ, nanoparticle, polymer, composite, function The size of nanoparticles (NPs) is in the range of 1-100 nm, which is larger than the atom cluster but smaller than the powder. They are the matter between molecules and bulk materials. The decrease of their size donates them the quantum size effect, small size effect, surface effect as well as macroscopic quantum tunneling effect. They have found applications in catalysis, light filter, light absorption, charge transport, gas adsorption, etc. due to their unique properties [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] . However, they are too small to be used directly because of their large specific surface energies. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate them into other matrix. One of the best choices is polymer. As the carrier of the NPs, the polymer can bring several advantages: (1) stabilize the NPs, limit their aggregation and hence protect their function; (2) improve the processibility of the composites; (3) enhance the SUN HaiZhu et al. Sci China Ser E-Tech Sci | Nov. 2008 | vol. 51 | no. 11 | 1886-1901 1887 functions of NPs by making use of the interaction between NPs and polymer, which is very important for the development of novel electronic devices with small size and light weight.The composites of NPs and polymer not only possess stability, excellent luminescent, electrical or magnetic properties of inorganic particles but also the convenience to tailor the structure, facility to process and low cost of organic molecules. Many methods to obtain composites have been developed. One of the earliest and easiest methods is directly mixing NPs into the polymer matrix [14][15][16][17][18] . In this method, the NPs are prepared before they are incorporated into the polymer matrix. The composites prepared via this method can find applications in electroluminescent devices, photovoltaic cells as we...

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