Research Update: Preserving the photoluminescence efficiency of near infrared emitting nanocrystals when embedded in a polymer matrix

Near infrared light emitting nanocrystals are known to lose efficiency when embedded in a polymer matrix. One of the factors leading to reduced efficiency is the labile nature of the ligands that may desorb off the nanocrystal surface when the nanocrystals are in the polymer solution. We show that adding trioctylphosphine to the nanocrystal-poly(methylmethacrylate) solution prior to film casting enhances the photoluminescence efficiency. The solid films’ photoluminescence quantum efficiency values are reduced by less than a factor of two in the solid form compared to the solution case. We demonstrate record efficiency values of 25% for lead sulfide nanocrystals solid films emitting at 1100 nm.