The preparation of luminescent semiconducting nanocomposites of crystalline and amorphous manganese phosphorus trisulfide (MnPS3), containing intercalated poly(phenylene vinylene) [PPV] is reported. The materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Scanning electron microscopy was used to monitor the crystallinity and morphology of the host materials. An average increase of 5.05 angstrom in the interlayer distance of MnPS3 was observed by XRD, as a result of the intercalation of PPV. The resulting composite materials presented more stable photoluminescent properties than unintercalated PPV, and with slightly blue-shifted emission; they exhibited significantly higher electronic conductivities than MnPS3 or the polymer alone. The effects of the intercalation host on the optical and electronic properties of the PPV guest are discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.