Interface engineering strategies for fabricating nanocrystal-based organic-inorganic nanocomposites

Hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention because they have the advantages of both conjugated polymers (CPs) and nanocrystals (NCs). Recent developments in the interfacial engineering of CP-NC organic-inorganic nanocomposites enabled the formation of an intimate contact between NCs and CPs, facilitating electronic interactions between these two constituents. To design CP-NC nanocomposites, several approaches have been introduced, including ligand refluxing, direct grafting methods, direct growth of NCs in proximity to CPs, and template-guided strategies. In this review, the general reactions of ligand exchange processes, purification methods, and characterization techniques have been briefly introduced. This is followed by a highlight of recent advances in the synthesis of hybrid CP-NC nanocomposites and newly developed inorganic surface treatments, as well as their applications. An outlook for future directions in this area is also presented.