The incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles in poly(p-phenylenevinylene)(PPV) for PPV/SiO2 nanocomposite

The changes in surface morphology and current-voltage characteristics of poly(p-phenylenevinylene)(PPV) thin film has been studied by varying the amount of incorporated SiO₂ nanoparticles. The electronic structure of carbon atom in PPV and PPV/SiO₂ nanocomposite films was studied by using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure. The surface morphology of PPV/SiO₂ nanocomposite film was found to be greatly dependent on the amount of incorporated SiO₂ nanoparticles. The current–voltage behavior of PPV/SiO₂ nanocomposite film was mainly dependent on the surface morphology of the film. The excess content of SiO₂ nanoparticles in PPV/SiO₂ nanocomposite film was revealed to induce an agglomeration of SiO₂ nanoparticles where blocking of electronic conduction happens.