Photoinduced, reversible phase transitions in all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals

Single-Source Thermal Evaporation Growth and the Tuning Surface Passivation Layer Thickness Effect in Enhanced Amplified Spontaneous Emission Properties of CsPb(Br0.5Cl0.5)3 Perovskite Films

High-quality inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite CsPb(Br_0.5Cl_0.5)₃ thin films were successfully achieved through evaporation of the precursors and deposition sequentially by a single-source thermal evaporation system. The different melting points of the precursors were enabled us to evaporate precursors one by one in one trip. The resulting films through its fabrication were smooth and pinhole-free. Furthermore, this technique enabled complete surface coverage by high-quality perovskite crystallization and more moisture stability oppositely of that produce by solution-processed. Then the perovskite films were encapsulated by evaporated a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer as a specialized surface passivation approach with various thicknesses. The blue emission, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), stable, and low threshold of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) properties of CsPb(Br_0.5Cl_0.5)₃ films in the bulk structure at room temperature were achieved. The effects of the surface-passivation layer and its thickness on the optical response were examined. Detailed analysis of the dependence of ASE properties on the surface passivation layer thickness was performed, and it was determined this achieves performance optimization. The ASE characteristics of bare perovskite thin film were influenced by the incorporation of the PMMA with various thicknesses. The improvement to the surface layer of perovskite thin films compared to that of the bare perovskite thin film was attributed to the combination of thermal evaporation deposition and surface encapsulation. The best results were achieved when using a low PMMA thickness up to 100 nm and reducing the ASE threshold by ~11 μJ/cm² when compared with free-encapsulation and by ~13 μJ/cm² when encapsulation occurs at 200 nm or thicker. Compared to the bare CsPb(Br_0.5Cl_0.5)₃, ASE reduced 1.1 times when the PMMA thickness was 100 nm.

Ultra-Stable Polycrystalline CsPbBr3 Perovskite-Polymer Composite Thin Disk for Light-Emitting Applications

Organic–inorganic halide organometal perovskites have demonstrated very promising performance in optoelectronic applications, but their relatively poor chemical and colloidal stability hampers the further improvement of devices based on these materials. Perovskite material engineering is crucial for achieving high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and long stability. Herein, these goals are attained by incorporating bulk-structure CsPbBr₃, which prevents colloidal degradation, into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymer in thin-disk form. This technology can potentially realize future disk lasers with no optical and structural contributions from the polymer. The polycrystalline CsPbBr₃ perovskite particles were simply obtained by using a mechanical processing technique. The CsPbBr₃ was then incorporated into the PMMA polymer using a solution blending method. The polymer enhanced the PLQYs by removing the surface trap states and increasing the water resistance and stability under ambient conditions. In our experimental investigation, the CsPbBr₃/PMMA composites were extraordinarily stable and remained strongly luminescent after water immersion for three months and air exposure for over one year, maintaining 80% of their initial photoluminescence intensity. The CsPbBr₃/PMMA thin disk produced amplified spontaneous emission for a long time in air and for more than two weeks in water.

In Situ Imaging of Ferroelastic Domain Dynamics in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanowires by Nanofocused Scanning X-ray Diffraction

The interest in metal halide perovskites has grown as impressive results have been shown in solar cells, light emitting devices, and scintillators, but this class of materials have a complex crystal structure that is only partially understood. In particular, the dynamics of the nanoscale ferroelastic domains in metal halide perovskites remains difficult to study. An ideal in situ imaging method for ferroelastic domains requires a challenging combination of high spatial resolution and long penetration depth. Here, we demonstrate in situ temperature-dependent imaging of ferroelastic domains in a single nanowire of metal halide perovskite, CsPbBr3. Scanning X-ray diffraction with a 60 nm beam was used to retrieve local structural properties for temperatures up to 140 °C. We observed a single Bragg peak at room temperature, but at 80 °C, four new Bragg peaks appeared, originating in different real-space domains. The domains were arranged in periodic stripes in the center and with a hatched pattern close to the edges. Reciprocal space mapping at 80 °C was used to quantify the local strain and lattice tilts, revealing the ferroelastic nature of the domains. The domains display a partial stability to further temperature changes. Our results show the dynamics of nanoscale ferroelastic domain formation within a single-crystal perovskite nanostructure, which is important both for the fundamental understanding of these materials and for the development of perovskite-based devices.

Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of CsPb(Br1-xClx)3 Perovskite: First-Principles Study with PBE-GGA and mBJ-GGA Methods

The effect of halide composition on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of CsPb(Br1-xClx)3 perovskite was investigated in this study. When the chloride (Cl) content of x was increased, the unit cell volume decreased with a linear function. Theoretical X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the peak (at 2θ = 30.4°) shifts to a larger angle (at 2θ = 31.9°) when the average fraction of the incorporated Cl increased. The energy bandgap (Eg) was observed to increase with the increase in Cl concentration. For x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.33, 0.50, 0.66, 0.75, and 1.00, the Eg values calculated using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof potential were between 1.53 and 1.93 eV, while those calculated using the modified Becke-Johnson generalized gradient approximation (mBJ-GGA) potential were between 2.23 and 2.90 eV. The Eg calculated using the mBJ-GGA method best matched the experimental values reported. The effective masses decreased with a concentration increase of Cl to 0.33 and then increased with a further increase in the concentration of Cl. Calculated photoabsorption coefficients show a blue shift of absorption at higher Cl content. The calculations indicate that CsPb(Br1-xClx)3 perovskite could be used in optical and optoelectronic devices by partly replacing bromide with chloride.

Improvement of Colloidal Characteristics in a Precursor Solution by a PbI2-(DMSO)2 Complex for Efficient Nonstoichiometrically Prepared CsPbI2.8Br0.2 Perovskite Solar Cells

The optoelectronic properties of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells are greatly affected by the quality characteristics of films, such as the defect concentration, crystal growth orientation, crystallinity, and morphology. In this study, a PbI₂-(DMSO)₂ complex is adopted to partially replace PbI₂ as the lead source in the preparation of perovskite precursor solutions. Due to the rapid dispersion of the PbI₂-(DMSO)₂ complex in a solvent, raw materials can rapidly react to form perovskite colloids with a narrow size distribution. Such uniform colloidal particles are found to be beneficial for achieving films with improved quality and highly orientated growth along the [001] direction. The optimized film exhibits a clearly improved crystallinity and a decrease in defect concentration from 4.29 × 10¹⁵ cm^-3 to 3.20 × 10¹⁵ cm^-3. The device based on the obtained all-inorganic CsPbI_2.8Br_0.2 perovskite finally achieves an increase in photovoltaic power conversion efficiency from 10.5 to 14.15%. In addition, the environmental stability of the device also benefits from the improved film quality. After 480 h of storage in air, the device can still maintain nearly 80% of its initial performance.

Transient Lattice Response upon Photoexcitation in CuInSe2 Nanocrystals with Organic or Inorganic Surface Passivation

CuInSe₂ nanocrystals offer promise for optoelectronics including thin-film photovoltaics and printed electronics. Additive manufacturing methods such as photonic curing controllably sinter particles into quasi-continuous films and offer improved device performance. To gain understanding of nanocrystal response under such processing conditions, we investigate impacts of photoexcitation on colloidal nanocrystal lattices via time-resolved X-ray diffraction. We probe three sizes of particles and two capping ligands (oleylamine and inorganic S^2-) to evaluate resultant crystal lattice temperature, phase stability, and thermal dissipation. Elevated fluences produce heating and loss of crystallinity, the onset of which exhibits particle size dependence. We find size-dependent recrystallization and cooling lifetimes ranging from 90 to 200 ps with additional slower cooling on the nanosecond time scale. Sulfide-capped nanocrystals show faster recrystallization and cooling compared to oleylamine-capped nanocrystals. Using these lifetimes, we find interfacial thermal conductivities from 3 to 28 MW/(m² K), demonstrating that ligand identity strongly influences thermal dissipation.

The correlation between phase transition and photoluminescence properties of CsPbX3 (X= Cl, Br, I) perovskite nanocrystals

We report a correlation between the structural phase transition of CsPbX₃ (X=Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (NCs) and their temperature dependent steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL (TRPL). In constrast to CsPbBr₃ and CsPbI₃ NCs which exhibited a continuous blue shift in their bandgap with increasing temperature, the CsPbCl₃ exhibited a blue shift until ~193 K, followed by a red shift until room temperature. We attribute this change from a blue to a red shift to a structural phase transtion in CsPbCl₃, which also manifested in the temperature dependent TRPL. Notably, the exciton recombination lifetimes showed a similar reverse trend due to the phase transition in CsPbCl₃, which has not been reported previously.

Self-Assembly of Perovskite CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Driven by a Photo-Induced Alkynyl Homocoupling Reaction

Herein, we report the facile growth of three-dimensional CsPbBr₃ perovskite supercrystals (PSCs) self-assembled from individual CsPbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). By varying the carbon chain length of a surface-bound ligand molecule, 1-alkynyl acid, different morphologies of PSCs were obtained accompanied by an over 1000-fold photoluminescence improvement compared with that of PQDs. Systematic analyses have shown, for the first time, that under UV irradiation, CsBr, the byproduct formed during PQDs synthesis, could effectively catalyze the homocoupling reaction between two alkynyl groups, which further worked as a driving force to push forward the self-assembly of PQDs.

Improving the Quality and Luminescence Performance of All-Inorganic Perovskite Nanomaterials for Light-Emitting Devices by Surface Engineering

Lead halide perovskites and their applications in the optoelectronic field have garnered intensive interest over the years. Inorganic perovskites (IHP), though a novel class of material, are considered as one of the most promising optoelectronic materials. These materials are widely used in detectors, solar cells, and other devices, owing to their excellent charge-transport properties, high defect tolerance, composition- and size-dependent luminescence, narrow emission, and high photoluminescence quantum yield. In recent years, numerous encouraging achievements have been realized, especially in the research of CsPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (NCs) and surface engineering. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the principles and effects of these surface engineering optimization methods. It is also important to scientifically guide the applications and promote the development of perovskites more efficiently. Herein, the principles of surface ligands are reviewed, and various surface treatment methods used in CsPbX₃ NCs as well as quantum-dot light-emitting diodes are presented. Finally, a brief outlook on CsPbX₃ NC surface engineering is offered, illustrating the present challenges and the direction in which future investigations are intended to obtain high-quality CsPbX₃ NCs that can be utilized in more applications.

Shining Emitter in a Stable Host: Design of Halide Perovskite Scintillators for X-ray Imaging from Commercial Concept

Halide perovskite (HP) nanocrystals (NCs) have recently shown great potential for X-ray detection and imaging. However, the practical application still has a long way to go with many technical requirements waiting to be fulfilled, including structure optimization, stability enhancement, and cost reduction. A design principle in this beginning stage is urgently needed but still lacking. Herein, with an "emitter-in-matrix" principle refined from commercial scintillators, CsPbBr₃@Cs₄PbBr₆ with emissive CsPbBr₃ NCs embedded inside a solid-state Cs₄PbBr₆ host is subjected to X-ray sensing and imaging. The Cs₄PbBr₆ matrix not only enhances the attenuation of X-rays but also dramatically improves the stability of CsPbBr₃ NCs. A favorable optical design with the Cs₄PbBr₆ matrix being transparent to the emission from CsPbBr₃ NCs enables efficient light output. As a result, stable and sensitive scintillation response to X-ray signals is demonstrated with superior linearity and ultrahigh time resolution. In order to show the huge potential for practical applications, X-ray imaging using a large-area film (360 mm × 240 mm) by the blade-coating technique is carried out to obtain a high-quality image of interior structures invisible to the human eye. In addition to the above advantages in optics, CsPbBr₃@Cs₄PbBr₆ also enjoys facile solution synthesis with large scalability, excellent repeatability, and low cost.

Density Functional Study of Cubic, Tetragonal, and Orthorhombic CsPbBr3 Perovskite

Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite has recently gained significance owing to its rapidly increasing performance when used for light-emitting devices. In this study, we used density functional theory to determine the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic temperature-dependent phases of CsPbBr3 perovskite using the full-potential linear augmented plane wave method. The electronic properties of CsPbBr3 perovskite have been investigated by evaluating their changes upon exerting spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The following exchange potentials were used: the local density approximation (LDA), Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA), Engel-Vosko GGA (EV-GGA), Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof GGA revised for solids (PBEsol-GGA), modified Becke-Johnson GGA (mBJ-GGA), new modified Becke-Johnson GGA (nmBJ-GGA), and unmodified Becke-Johnson GGA (umBJ-GGA). Our band structure results indicated that the cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic phases have direct energy bandgaps. By including the SOC effect in the calculations, the bandgaps computed with mBJ-GGA and nmBJ-GGA were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, despite the large variations in their lattice constants, the three CsPbBr3 phases possessed similar optical properties. These results demonstrate a wide temperature range of operation for CsPbBr3.

Efficiency Improvement of MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Based on a CsPbBr3 Quantum Dot/Au Nanoparticle Composite Plasmonic Light-Harvesting Layer

We demonstrate a method to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells through localized surface plasmon (LSP) coupling with gold nanoparticles:CsPbBr3 hybrid perovskite quantum dots (AuNPs:QD-CsPbBr3). The plasmonic AuNPs:QD-CsPbBr3 possess the features of high light-harvesting capacity and fast charge transfer through the LSP resonance effect, thus improving the short-circuit current density and the fill factor. Compared to the original device without Au NPs, a 27.8% enhancement in PCE of plasmonic AuNPs:QD-CsPbBr3/MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells was achieved upon 120 μL Au NP solution doping. This improvement can be attributed to the formation of surface plasmon resonance and light scattering effects in Au NPs embedded in QD-CsPbBr3, resulting in improved light absorption due to plasmonic nanoparticles.

Coexistence of light-induced photoluminescence enhancement and quenching in CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite films

Lead halide perovskites are promising semiconductors for various optoelectronic devices working in a wide photo-excitation density regime. However, photo-induced instability, attributed to illumination-activated mobile ions, has been an obstacle to their application. Herein, we use the time evolution of photoluminescence (PL) to investigate the light illumination effects of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite films under relatively high excitation (up to 4.5 W cm-2). We demonstrate that continuous illumination can lead to both PL enhancement and PL quenching simultaneously, with their weight ratios depending on the excitation density. The experimental data can be well described and interpreted by considering the coexistence of and competition between the photo-induced annihilation and the formation of long-living filled trap states. Our study may provide in-depth insight into the photo-induced instability of perovskite films and help to improve the performance of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.

Ultrahigh photo-stable all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals and their robust random lasing

Photo-instability has prevented further commercialization of all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) in the field of high-power optoelectronics. Here, an accelerated transformation process from non-luminescent Cs₄PbBr₆ to CsPbBr₃ NCs with bright green emission is explored with irradiation at 365 nm during water-triggered structural transformation. The photoelectric field provided by the photon energy of 365 nm promotes the rapid stripping of CsBr and atomic reconstruction, contributing to the production of ultrahigh photo-stable defect-free CsPbBr₃ NCs. The robust emission output of the as-obtained CsPbBr₃ NCs is well preserved even when recorded after 160 min. Moreover, a long-term stable random lasing could be achieved when excited using an ∼800 nm femtosecond laser for at least 8.6 × 10⁷ laser shots. Our results not only elucidate the photo-induced accelerated phase transformation process of the all-inorganic perovskites, but also open up opportunities to synthesize highly stable CsPbBr₃ NCs for their practical application in photovoltaics and optoelectronics.

α-CsPbI3 Nanocrystals by Ultraviolet Light-Driven Oriented Attachment

Size and crystallinity of building units in the perovskite layer are of great significance to photovoltaic performance. Thus, to fabricate large-grain-size perovskite materials with the advantage of good crystallinity is quite necessary. The oriented attachment strategy has been proofed as an efficient method to control crystal growth. Herein, we reported on oriented attachment of α-CsPbI₃ quantum dots (QDs) into a large-grain-size nanocrystal under moderate ultraviolet (UV) light. By virtue of atomic-resolution TEM and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, we observed the UV-directed structure-evolution and growth process. This is trigged by UV-light illumination (7 W, 365 nm), which drives the oriented assembly of QDs into a large nanoparticle along {110} facets. Moreover, we also visualized a damage process of the α-CsPbI₃ QDs to photoinactive-δ-phase ones and finally into PbI₂ under high-power UV-light (100 W, 365 nm) exposure. The findings provide a prototype for fabricating large-size perovskite nanostructures with promising properties.

Photon-Induced Reshaping in Perovskite Material Yields of Nanocrystals with Accurate Control of Size and Morphology

Benefiting from morphology-/size-tunable optical features, nanocrystals have been considered promising candidates for display or lighting applications. To achieve selective characteristic emission, precise control in size and morphology is thus a prerequisite. Herein, we report that the nanosecond-pulsed laser irradiation induces CsPbBr₃ reshaping, yielding precise control of size and morphology. Under 532 and 355 nm laser irradiation, polydisperse CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals or raw micron powders can be reshaped into uniform sizes of 12 and 6 nm, respectively. Moreover, by tuning ligand composition, the morphology of reshaped nanocrystals can be manipulated, such as nanocubes, nanorods, or nanosheets. Results reveal that the reshaping process relies on striving for a delicate balance between energy deposition and heat dissipation under irradiation. A low dissipation rate leads to temperature rising and lattice breaking, which turn out to be the driving forces for reshaping. This feasible method provides a reliable, and scalable route toward preparation of perovskite functional nanocrystals.