Role of the host polymer matrix in light emission processes in nano-CdS/poly vinyl alcohol composite

Participation of a polymeric media in light-emitting processes of composite nano-CdS/polyvinyl alcohol is studied by probing different absorption-emission routes via adjustment of excitation wavelengths. It is shown that the polymeric constituent of the composite contributes chiefly to the photoluminescence excitation processes via absorption and excitation transfer to the embedded CdS nanoparticles while the composite emission occurs mostly within the nanoparticles. •Absorption, emission and emission decay of nano-CdS/polyvinyl alcohol are studied.•Light emission processes occur predominantly within the nanoparticles.•Transfer of excitation from polymer to nanoparticles contributes to luminescence.•Decays of the nanoparticles emission critically depend on the excitation wavelength.