Charge transfer mechanisms of several conducting polymers and polymer/CdSe nanocrystal composites (hybrid bulk heterojunction composites) were investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry. Potential application of these composites in hybrid light-emitting diodes was discussed. It was found that charge transfer is observed in most of the composites, used so far, but was relatively slow or incomplete. The PVPy/CdSe nanocrystal composite showed promising results, and is favorable for use in electroluminescent devices. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.