Dual function hybrid polymer-nanoparticle devices

Dual properties of photoconduction and electroluminescence (EL) in hybrid d evices consisting of a nanocluster semiconductor layer and a polymer are re ported. It is observed that the photocurrent spectral response and efficien cy in these multilayer devices are similar to that of the semiconductor com ponent, while the EL spectral responses are closer to that of the polymer l ayer. The results are confirmed using the nanoparticle semiconductor, cadmi um sulphide CdS, of different particle sizes and polymers representing a wi de spectral range. A general feature of efficient photocurrent spectral res ponse corresponding to nanoparticle and an appreciable EL response correspo nding more to the active polymer are observed in all devices and results in wide, separated spectral windows. Current-voltage responses also indicate possibilities of added tunability in these devices. (C) 1999 American Insti tute of Physics. [S0003-6951(99)04006-1].