Nanocomposites of Size-Tunable ZnO-Nanoparticles and Amphiphilic Hyperbranched Polymers

Highly dispersed ZnO nanoparticles with variable particle sizes were successfully prepared within an amphiphilic hyperbranched polyetherpolyol matrix via decomposition of an organometallic precursor in the presence of air leading to stable nanocomposites. The high degree of stabilization during and after the synthesis by the polymer permits control over the nanoparticle size and therefore, due to the quantum-size-effect, the particle properties. Furthermore, these polymer-inorganic nanocomposites can easily be dispersed in apolar solvents to yield highly transparent, stable solutions.