In-situ template synthesis of a polymer/nanoparticles nanohybrid using hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone)

Nanostructured ZnS/hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone) (ZnS/HPAEK) hybrid material was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction of HPAEK–Zn(Ac)₂⋅2H₂O in DMF. ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by heterogeneous stirring of carboxylic-functionalized hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone) (PCA-HPAEK)–Zn(Ac)₂⋅2H₂O in DMF with DMF solution of thiourea. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence. FTIR and HRTEM studies confirmed the formation of ZnS QDs with small particle size. And the results of photoluminescence measurement showed that the nanocomposites exhibited distinct luminescence properties. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis studies indicated that the nanocomposites exhibited excellent heat resistance. In general, a new ZnS/PCA-HPAEK nanohybrid was synthesized without ligand exchange, and had good optical properties and excellent heat resistance.