Surface modified ZnO nanoparticles: structure, photophysics, and its optoelectronic application

Nanostructured ZnO has been synthesized by wet chemical route. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) is used for stabilization and surface passivation of synthesized nanoparticles, thus tailoring the growth of ZnO at nanoscale. Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron micoroscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy of the synthesized nanoparticles confirm the evolution of nanocrystalline ZnO prevailing in hexagonal wurtzite phase. UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy studies show blue shift phenomenon in the synthesized nanoparticle in contrast to the bulk ZnO furnishing evidence in support of quantum size effect. The nanocomposites of ZnO and poly [9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl] are prepared and characterized to investigate its luminescent and spectral emission effects. The nanocomposites are then incorporated in light-emitting diodes, and influence of ZnO on the device performance has been explored via electroluminescence, current density evaluation, and corresponding CIE coordinates calculation.