Microscopic and spectroscopic investigation of MoS2 nanotubes/P3HT nanocomposites

Abstract

Blends of conductive polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and size controlled MoS2 nanotubes (NTs) were prepared focusing on procedures which do not alter the electrical and optical properties of nanotubes, i.e., without surfactants. After disassembly of as-grown hedgehog-like self-assemblies of the MoS2 NTs, relatively homogeneous dispersions of the NTs in P3HT were prepared. Thin films of these blends were prepared via spin coating. The NTs were found efficiently wetted by the P3HT and nearly completely immersed in the films. The surface structure was composed of pure P3HT lamellae. Photoluminescence spectra taken on P3HT/MoS2 NT thin films revealed a quenching effect, which depends on the concentration of NTs. Results of optical microscopy and spectroscopy investigations, scanning tunnelling microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies are shown. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.