One-step synthesis and photoluminescence properties of polycarbazole spheres and Ag/polycarbazole core/shell composites

Abstract Polycarbazole (PCz) spheres and Ag/polycarbazole core/shell composites (Ag/PCz) have been successfully synthesized via a Polyvinylpyrrolidione (PVP)-assisted hydrothermal method for the first time. The synthesis is simple, low cost and environment-friendly. The resulting PCz spheres are uniform in dimension with good dispersibility. The shell thickness of the Ag/PCz core–shell nanoparticle is about 30 nm with a powerful light absorption performance. Compared to PCz, the synergistic luminescence behaviors of Ag/PCz were displayed in violet and blue region. The PCz and Ag/PCz can be used as blue and green light-emission materials, respectively. The excellent function of PVP in the process of synthesizing the composites is also discussed rationally.