Electron Energy Structure and Electrical Properties of Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) with Gold Metal Nanoparticles

The electron energy structures and electrical properties of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and PPV/Au nanocomposite films were investigated to identify an effect of Au metal nanoparticles on a conjugated polymer. The current density in PPV/Au nanocomposite films was enhanced from an increase in the electron affinity with increasing Au nanoparticle content. The roughness of surface morphology was also observed with incorporation of Au nanoparticles. Then, an enhanced applied field could be developed at the thinner region of the film and an increase in the surface area with a resulting increase of electron injection, leading to an extra enhancement of the current.