Effect of Ag nanoparticles on the electron energy structure and electrical properties of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV)

The effects of inorganic nanoparticles on a conjugated polymer were investigated by measuring the electronic properties of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and PPV/Ag nanocomposites. Through hybridization, an enhancement in current density was achieved with PPV/Ag nanocomposites due to an increase in the electron affinity with Ag nanoparticle content. Furthermore, roughening of the surface morphology was observed with incorporation of Ag nanoparticles. This roughness induces an enhanced applied field at the thinner region of the film and an increase in the surface area with a resulting increase of electron injection, leading to current enhancement.