Formation of nanoparticles in solid-state matrices: A strategy for bulk transparent TiO ₂-polymer nanocomposites

The incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into polymers has been pursued as a route to functional materials. TiO ₂ is a well known multifunctional inorganic material, however, stabilizing TiO ₂ NPs in bulk polymer matrices to obtain optically transparent nanocomposites remains a significant challenge. Here, we report an effective strategy for the preparation of bulk transparent TiO ₂-polymer nanocomposites through the combined use of copolymerization of a novel titanium ion-containing monomer with a liquid-solid reaction. The titanium ions are covalently introduced into polymer chains and transformed into TiO ₂ NPs directly in the solid-state polymer matrices, which allows the generation of well dispersed TiO ₂ NPs with small size and narrow size distribution in the entire polymer matrices. The resulting transparent nanocomposites exhibit promising UV-shielding properties and consequently should have direct application in the development of transparent UV-protective materials. Moreover, the surface photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites is helpful for realizing a pollutant- and bacteria-free surface. Moreover, europium methacrylate (Eu(MA) ₃) is used as a cross-linking agent, which produces cross-linked structures to enhance the stability of the nanocomposites.