Preparation and characterization of novel nanocomposites of WS2 nanotubes and polyfluorene conductive polymer

Tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanotubes are used to prepare polymer nanocomposites, similarly to other metal dichalcogenide materials, to improve lubricating and/or mechanical properties. In order to explore the possibility to extend these advantages to conductive polymers we realized new nanocomposites of WS2 nanotubes and polyfluorene conjugated polymer (WS 2/PFO). The nanocomposites were prepared from solution processing at several nanotubes concentrations. The morphological and structural analyses by SEM and XRD proved that the density of nanotubes within the polymer increased according to the preparation conditions. The successful incorporation of WS 2 nanotubes was also evidenced by UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. The WS2/PFO nanocomposites were tested in light emitting devices at relatively big load of nanotubes realizing a new class of devices with promising improved mechanical and thermal properties without affecting substantially the device optoelectronic performances. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.