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.