Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals in the Research Spotlight: Stability and Defect Tolerance

The Surface Chemistry and Structure of Colloidal Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

ConspectusSince the initial discovery of colloidal lead halide perovskite nanocrystals, there has been significant interest placed on these semiconductors because of their remarkable optoelectronic properties, including very high photoluminescence quantum yields, narrow size- and composition-tunable emission over a wide color gamut, defect tolerance, and suppressed blinking. These material attributes have made them attractive components for next-generation solar cells, light emitting diodes, low-threshold lasers, single photon emitters, and X-ray scintillators. While a great deal of research has gone into the various applications of colloidal lead halide perovskite nanocrystals, comparatively little work has focused on the fundamental surface chemistry of these materials. While the surface chemistry of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals is generally affected by their particle morphology, surface stoichiometry, and organic ligands that contribute to the first coordination sphere of their surface atoms, these attributes are markedly different in lead halide perovskite nanocrystals because of their ionicity.In this Account, emerging work on the surface chemistry of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals is highlighted, with a particular focus placed on the most-studied composition of CsPbBr₃. We begin with an in-depth exploration of the native surface chemistry of as-prepared, 0-D cuboidal CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals, including an atomistic description of their surface termini, vacancies, and ionic bonding with ligands. We then proceed to discuss various post-synthetic surface treatments that have been developed to increase the photoluminescence quantum yields and stability of CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals, including the use of tetraalkylammonium bromides, metal bromides, zwitterions, and phosphonic acids, and how these various ligands are known to bind to the nanocrystal surface. To underscore the effect of post-synthetic surface treatments on the application of these materials, we focus on lead halide perovskite nanocrystal-based light emitting diodes, and the positive effect of various surface treatments on external quantum efficiencies. We also discuss the current state-of-the-art in the surface chemistry of 1-D nanowires and 2-D nanoplatelets of CsPbBr₃, which are more quantum confined than the corresponding cuboidal nanocrystals but also generally possess a higher defect density because of their increased surface area-to-volume ratios.

Halide Ion Migration in Perovskite Nanocrystals and Nanostructures

ConspectusThe optical and electronic properties of metal halide perovskites provide insight into the operation of solar cells as well as their long-term operational stability. Halide mobility in perovskite films is an important factor influencing solar cell performance. One can visualize halide ion migration through halide exchange between two nanocrystal suspensions or between physically paired films of two different metal halide perovskites. The ability to tune band gap by varying halide ratios (Cl:Br or Br:I) allows the synthesis of mixed halide perovskites with tailored absorption and emission across the entire visible spectrum. Interestingly, mixed halide (e.g., MAPb(Br_0.5I_0.5)₃) films undergo phase segregation to form Br-rich and I-rich sites under steady state illumination. Upon halting illumination, segregated phases mix to restore original mixed halide compositions. Introducing multiple cations (Cs, formamidinium) at the A site or alloying with Cl greatly suppresses halide mobilities. Long-term irradiation of MAPb(Br_0.5I_0.5)₃ films also cause expulsion of iodide leaving behind Br-rich phases. Hole trapping at I-rich sites in MAPb(Br_0.5I_0.5)₃ is considered to be an important step in inducing halide mobility in photoirradiated films. This Account focuses on halide ion migration in nanocrystals and nanostructured films driven by entropy of mixing in dark and phase segregation under light irradiation.

Lead-Free Halide Perovskites for Light Emission: Recent Advances and Perspectives

Lead-based halide perovskites have received great attention in light-emitting applications due to their excellent properties, including high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), tunable emission wavelength, and facile solution preparation. In spite of excellent characteristics, the presence of toxic element lead directly obstructs their further commercial development. Hence, exploiting lead-free halide perovskite materials with superior properties is urgent and necessary. In this review, the deep-seated reasons that benefit light emission for halide perovskites, which help to develop lead-free halide perovskites with excellent performance, are first emphasized. Recent advances in lead-free halide perovskite materials (single crystals, thin films, and nanocrystals with different dimensionalities) from synthesis, crystal structures, optical and optoelectronic properties to applications are then systematically summarized. In particular, phosphor-converted LEDs and electroluminescent LEDs using lead-free halide perovskites are fully examined. Ultimately, based on current development of lead-free halide perovskites, the future directions of lead-free halide perovskites in terms of materials and light-emitting devices are discussed.

Colloidal BaZrS3 chalcogenide perovskite nanocrystals for thin film device fabrication

The theoretical optoelectronic properties of chalcogenide perovskites (e.g., BaZrS3) are as good as those of halide perovskites (e.g., CH3NH3PbI3). But the fabrication of optoelectronic devices is rarely reported, mainly because researchers still do not know how to prepare good quality thin films of chalcogenide perovskites. Here, we report colloidal BaZrS3 nanocrystals (NCs, 40-60 nm) and their solution processed thin film transistors. BaZrS3 NCs are first prepared using a solid-state synthesis route, and the subsequent surface modifications lead to a colloidal dispersion of NCs in both polar N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and non-polar chloroform solvents. The NCs exhibit good thermal (15-673 K) and aqueous stability. Colloidal BaZrS3 NCs in chloroform are then used to make field effect transistors showing ambipolar properties with a hole mobility of 0.059 cm2 V-1 s-1 and an electron mobility of 0.017 cm2 V-1 s-1. This report of solution processed chalcogenide perovskite thin films with reasonable carrier mobility and optical absorption and emission is expected to pave the way for future optoelectronic devices of chalcogenide perovskites.

97.3% Pb-Reduced CsPb1-xGexBr3 Perovskite with Enhanced Phase Stability and Photovoltaic Performance through Surface Cu Doping

Ge doping has been regarded as an effective way to explore the low-toxicity inorganic halide perovskite. However, Ge²⁺ ions are easy to oxidize because the Ge dopant raises the valence band maximum (VBM) over the water oxidization (H₂O/O₂) potential. Here we find that surface Cu doping can bend down the band levels and decline the VBM of the CsPb_1-xGe_xBr₃ surface below the H₂O/O₂ potential, then prevent the Ge²⁺ from being oxidized into Ge⁴⁺ by water because the Cu dopant reduces the perovskite surface electron accumulation. Note that the Cu dopant prefers to locate at the perovskite surface rather than the interior, and it reduces the surface energy and enhances the stability. Consequently, the largest Pb reduction increases to 97.3% for the Cu-doped CsPb_1-xGe_xBr₃ surface. Moreover, the exciton binding energy and optical absorption of CsPb_1-xGe_xBr₃ could be further improved by the surface Cu dopant. This work provides guidance for finding low-toxicity stable inorganic perovskites.

Monodisperse Long-Chain Sulfobetaine-Capped CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals and Their Superfluorescent Assemblies

Ligand-capped nanocrystals (NCs) of lead halide perovskites, foremost fully inorganic CsPbX₃ NCs, are the latest generation of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots. They offer a set of compelling characteristics-large absorption cross section, as well as narrow, fast, and efficient photoluminescence with long exciton coherence times-rendering them attractive for applications in light-emitting devices and quantum optics. Monodisperse and shape-uniform, broadly size-tunable, scalable, and robust NC samples are paramount for unveiling their basic photophysics, as well as for putting them into use. Thus far, no synthesis method fulfilling all these requirements has been reported. For instance, long-chain zwitterionic ligands impart the most durable surface coating, but at the expense of reduced size uniformity of the as-synthesized colloid. In this work, we demonstrate that size-selective precipitation of CsPbBr₃ NCs coated with a long-chain sulfobetaine ligand, namely, 3-(N,N-dimethyloctadecylammonio)-propanesulfonate, yields monodisperse and sizable fractions (>100 mg inorganic mass) with the mean NC size adjustable in the range between 3.5 and 16 nm and emission peak wavelength between 479 and 518 nm. We find that all NCs exhibit an oblate cuboidal shape with the aspect ratio of 1.2 × 1.2 × 1. We present a theoretical model (effective mass/k·p) that accounts for the anisotropic NC shape and describes the size dependence of the first and second excitonic transition in absorption spectra and explains room-temperature exciton lifetimes. We also show that uniform zwitterion-capped NCs readily form long-range ordered superlattices upon solvent evaporation. In comparison to more conventional ligand systems (oleic acid and oleylamine), supercrystals of zwitterion-capped NCs exhibit larger domain sizes and lower mosaicity. Both kinds of supercrystals exhibit superfluorescence at cryogenic temperatures-accelerated collective emission arising from the coherent coupling of the emitting dipoles.

Postsynthetic Surface-Treatment of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) Nanocrystals via CdX2 Precursor Solution toward High Photoluminescence Quantum Yield

The existing defects on the surface of CsPbX₃ nanocrystals (NCs) resulted in the decrease of the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of NCs. In this study, we developed a simple strategy, which can make the treated CsPbX₃ NCs exhibit high PLQYs and better stability by CdX₂ post-treatment at room temperature. The treated CsPbX₃ NCs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and PL spectra. The shape, size, and crystal structure of the NCs remained unchanged after Cd ion treatment. The PLQYs of CsPbCl₃ increased from 24 to 73% and the PLQYs of CsPbBr₃ NCs increased from 85 to 92% after treatment. The significant enhancement of PLQYs is ascribed to the effective passivation of surface defects, in which Cd²⁺ and X^- ions occupied the Pb-X vacancies existing on the surface of the NCs. In addition, this strategy was also applied to a mixed halide perovskite. The practical application of CsPbX₃ NCs will be extended by this method.

Tailoring Optical Properties of Luminescent Semiconducting Nanocrystals through Hydrostatic, Anisotropic Static, and Dynamic Pressures

Luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals are a fascinating class of materials because of their size-dependent emissions. Numerous past studies have demonstrated that semiconductor nanoparticles with radii smaller than their Bohr radius experience quantum confinement and thus size-dependent emissions. Exerting pressure on these nanoparticles represents an additional, more dynamic, strategy to alter their size and shift their emission. The application of pressure results in the lattices becoming strained and the electronic structure altered. In this Minireview, colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are first introduced. The effects of uniform hydrostatic pressure on the optical properties of metal halide perovskite (ABX₃ ), II-VI, III-V, and IV-VI semiconductor nanocrystals are then examined. The optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals under static and dynamic anisotropic pressure are then summarized. Finally, future research directions and applications utilizing the pressure-dependent optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals are discussed.

Growth Kinetics and Optical Properties of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

We synthesized CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) at different reaction temperatures and tracked their growth kinetics on the basis of their optical properties and estimated size. The energies of the absorption and fluorescence (FL) peaks with increasing reaction temperature for the CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs were tuned within the regions of 2.429–2.570 eV and 2.391–2.469 eV, respectively, depending on size of the NCs (9.9–12.5 nm). The Stokes shifts of CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs with increasing NC size decreased from 101 meV to 38 meV. The full-width at half-maximum of the FL peaks for the CdSe NCs decreased from 150 meV to 90 meV because of the improved size uniformity of the CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs. The energy spacing of CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs synthesized at various reaction temperatures was calculated from Tauc plots; this information is critical for determining the bandgap energy and enables the size of the CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs to be estimated using the effective mass approximation.

Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Indium Bromide with Blue Emission

Low-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic metal halides have received increased attention because of their outstanding optical and electronic properties. However, the most studied hybrid compounds contain lead and have long-term stability issues, which must be addressed for their use in practical applications. Here, we report a new zero-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic halide, RInBr₄, featuring photoemissive trimethyl(4-stilbenyl)methylammonium (R⁺) cations and nonemissive InBr₄^- tetrahedral anions. The crystal structure of RInBr₄ is composed of alternating layers of inorganic anions and organic cations along the crystallographic a axis. The resultant hybrid demonstrates bright-blue emission with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color coordinates of (0.19, 0.20) and a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 16.36% at room temperature, a 2-fold increase compared to the PLQY of 8.15% measured for the precursor organic salt RBr. On the basis of our optical spectroscopy and computational work, the organic component is responsible for the observed blue emission of the hybrid material. In addition to the enhanced light emission efficiency, the novel hybrid indium bromide demonstrates significantly improved environmental stability. These findings may pave the way for the consideration of hybrid organic In(III) halides for light emission applications.

Probing the emissive behaviour of the lead-free Cs2AgBiCl6 double perovskite with Cu(ii) doping

Cu ion induced change in photoluminescence behaviour of Cs2AgBiCl6 double perovskite.

Emission wavelength control of CsPb(Br1−xClx)3 nanocrystals for blue light-emitting diode applications

A facile synthetic method of CsPb(Br_1−xCl_x)₃ halide perovskite nanocrystals, which emit light with the wavelengths ranging from green to blue based on an anion exchanging reaction using a halide exchange additive was reported.

Understanding liquefaction in halide perovskites upon methylamine gas exposure

Methylamine (CH₃NH₂, MA) gas-induced fabrication of organometal CH₃NH₃PbI₃ based perovskite thin films are promising photovoltaic materials that transform the energy from absorbed sunlight into electrical power. Unfortunately, the low stability of the perovskites poses a serious hindrance for further development, compared to conventional inorganic materials. The solid-state perovskites are liquefied and recrystallized from CH₃NH₂. However, the mechanism of this phase transformation is far from clear. Employing first principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the formation energy of primary defects in perovskites and the liquefaction process in CH₃NH₂ vapor. The results indicated that defect-assisted surface dissolution leads to the liquefaction of perovskite thin films in CH₃NH₂ vapor. Two primary defects were studied: one is the Frenkel pair defect (including both negatively charged interstitial iodide ion (I_i⁻) and iodide vacancy (V_I⁺) at the PbI₂-termination surface, and the other is the Schottky defects (methylammonium vacancy, V_MA) at the MAI-termination surface. Moreover, the defect-induced disorder in the microstructure reduces the degeneration of energy levels, which leads to a blue shift and broader absorption band gap, as compared to the clean perovskite surface. The mechanism of how defects impact the surface dissolution could be applied for the further design of high-stability perovskite solar cells.

Methylamine (CH₃NH₂, MA) gas-induced fabrication of organometal CH₃NH₃PbI₃ based perovskite thin films are promising photovoltaic materials that transform the energy from absorbed sunlight into electrical power.

Metal halide perovskites for light-emitting diodes

Metal halide perovskites have shown promising optoelectronic properties suitable for light-emitting applications. The development of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) has progressed rapidly over the past several years, reaching high external quantum efficiencies of over 20%. In this Review, we focus on the key requirements for high-performance PeLEDs, highlight recent advances on materials and devices, and emphasize the importance of reliable characterization of PeLEDs. We discuss possible approaches to improve the performance of blue and red PeLEDs, increase the long-term operational stability and reduce toxicity hazards. We also provide an overview of the application space made possible by recent developments in high-efficiency PeLEDs.

Lead-free perovskite compounds CsSn1-xGexI3-yBry explored for superior visible-light absorption

Hybrid perovskites are favoured over other numerous optoelectronic materials, thanks to their rapidly enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) and facile processing. At present, future developments are seriously hampered by the high toxicity of heavy metals and poor stability. Inorganic lead-free perovskites, CsSn1-xGexI3-yBry, are herein explored for superior optical performance by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). It is unveiled that the valence band maximum (VBM) is mainly occupied by the p-orbit of halide ions, while the conduction band minimum (CBM) is composed of the p-orbit of the metal ion. Moreover, Bader charge analysis shows that CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 corresponds to the most obvious charge transfer compared to the others. The defect formation energy indicates that perovskite compounds CsSn1-xGexI3-yBry, are more easily synthesized than the series CsSn1-xGexI3, and the physically accessible area is also determined in the coordinate system defined by the chemical potential change of the host atoms, ΔμSn and ΔμI. Additionally, the absorption spectra show that among the doped compounds of the form CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-yBry, perovskite CsSn0.5Ge0.5I2Br is superior in terms of optical response in the visible-light range. The results shed a new light on the study of highly efficient and stable lead-free perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs).

Origins of the long-range exciton diffusion in perovskite nanocrystal films: photon recycling vs exciton hopping

The outstanding optoelectronic performance of lead halide perovskites lies in their exceptional carrier diffusion properties. As the perovskite material dimensionality is reduced to exploit the quantum confinement effects, the disruption to the perovskite lattice, often with insulating organic ligands, raises new questions on the charge diffusion properties. Herein, we report direct imaging of >1 μm exciton diffusion lengths in CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystal (PNC) films. Surprisingly, the resulting exciton mobilities in these PNC films can reach 10 ± 2 cm² V^-1 s^-1, which is counterintuitively several times higher than the carrier mobility in 3D perovskite films. We show that this ultralong exciton diffusion originates from both efficient inter-NC exciton hopping (via Förster energy transfer) and the photon recycling process with a smaller yet significant contribution. Importantly, our study not only sheds new light on the highly debated origins of the excellent exciton diffusion in PNC films but also highlights the potential of PNCs for optoelectronic applications.

Giant Enhancement of Radiative Recombination in Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with Plasmonic Core-Shell Nanoparticles

The integration of nanoparticles (NPs) into functional materials is a powerful tool for the smart engineering of their physical properties. If properly designed and optimized, NPs possess unique optical, electrical, quantum, and other effects that will improve the efficiency of optoelectronic devices. Here, we propose a novel approach for the enhancement of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) based on electronic band structure deformation by core-shell NPs forming a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure with an Au core and SiO2 shell located in the perovskite layer. The presence of the MOS interface enables favorable charge distribution in the active layer through the formation of hole transporting channels. For the PeLED design, we consider integration of the core-shell NPs in the realistic numerical model. Using our verified model, we show that, compared with the bare structure, the incorporation of NPs increases the radiative recombination rate of PeLED by several orders of magnitude. It is intended that this study will open new perspectives for further efficiency enhancement of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices with NPs.

Biexciton Dynamics in Single Colloidal CdSe Quantum Dots

The investigation of biexciton dynamics in single colloidal quantum dots (QDs) is critical to biexciton-based applications. Generally, a biexciton exhibits an extremely low photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield as well as very fast PL decay due to strong nonradiative Auger recombination, making it difficult to investigate the biexciton dynamics. Here, we develop a quantitative method based on intensity- and time-resolved photon statistics to investigate the biexciton dynamics in single colloidal QDs. This robust method can be used under high-excitation conditions to determine the absolute radiative and Auger recombination rates of both neutral and charged biexciton states in a single QD level, and the corresponding ratios between the two states agree with the theoretical predictions of the asymmetric band structures of CdSe-based QDs. Furthermore, the surface traps are found to provide additional nonradiative recombination pathways for the biexcitons, and their contributions are quantified by the method.

Coherent Spin Precession and Lifetime-Limited Spin Dephasing in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

Carrier spins in semiconductor nanocrystals are promising candidates for quantum information processing. Using a combination of time-resolved Faraday rotation and photoluminescence spectroscopies, we demonstrate optical spin polarization and coherent spin precession in colloidal CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals that persists up to room temperature. By suppressing the influence of inhomogeneous hyperfine fields with a small applied magnetic field, we demonstrate inhomogeneous hole transverse spin-dephasing times (T₂^*) that approach the nanocrystal photoluminescence lifetime, such that nearly all emitted photons derive from coherent hole spins. Thermally activated LO phonons drive additional spin dephasing at elevated temperatures, but coherent spin precession is still observed at room temperature. These data reveal several major distinctions between spins in nanocrystalline and bulk CsPbBr₃ and open the door for using metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals in spin-based quantum technologies.

Blinking Mechanisms and Intrinsic Quantum-Confined Stark Effect in Single Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Quantum Dots

Lead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for next-generation photoelectric devices because of their low preparation costs and excellent optoelectronic properties. In this study, the blinking mechanisms and the intrinsic quantum-confined Stark effect (IQCSE) in single organic-inorganic hybrid CH₃ NH₃ PbBr₃ perovskite QDs using single-dot photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is investigated. The PL quantum yield-recombination rates distribution map allows the identification of different PL blinking mechanisms and their respective contributions to the PL emission behavior. A strong correlation between the excitation power and the blinking mechanisms is reported. Most single QDs exhibit band-edge carrier blinking under a low excitation photon fluence. While under a high excitation photon fluence, different proportions of Auger-blinking emerge in their PL intensity trajectories. In particular, significant IQCSEs in the QDs that exhibit more pronounced Auger-blinking are observed. Based on these findings, an Auger-induced IQCSE model to explain the observed IQCSE phenomena is observed.

Highly efficient photon detection systems for noble liquid detectors based on perovskite quantum dots

Wavelength shifting photon detection systems (PDS) are the critical functioning components in noble liquid detectors used for high energy physics (HEP) experiments and dark matter search. The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) scintillation light emitted by these Liquid argon (LAr) and liquid Xenon (LXe) detectors are shifted to higher wavelengths resulting in its efficient detection using the state-of-the-art photodetectors such as silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The currently used organic wavelength shifting materials [such as 1,1,4,4 Tetraphenyl Butadiene (TPB)] have several disadvantages and are unreliable for longterm use. In this study, we demonstrate the application of the inorganic perovskite cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) quantum dots (QDs) as highly efficient wavelength shifters. The absolute photoluminescence quantum yield of the PDS fabricated using these QDs exceeds 70%. CsPbBr₃-based PDS demonstrated an enhancement in the SiPM signal enhancement by up to 3 times when compared to a 3 µm-thick TPB-based PDS. The emission spectrum from the QDs was optimized to match the highest quantum efficiency region of the SiPMs. In addition, we have demonstrated the deposition of the QD-based wavelength shifting material on a large area PDS substrate using low capital cost and widely scalable solution-based techniques providing a pathway appropriate for meter-scale PDS fabrication and widespread use for other wavelength shifting applications.

Solid-State NMR and NQR Spectroscopy of Lead-Halide Perovskite Materials

Two- and three-dimensional lead-halide perovskite (LHP) materials are novel semiconductors that have generated broad interest owing to their outstanding optical and electronic properties. Characterization and understanding of their atomic structure and structure-property relationships are often nontrivial as a result of the vast structural and compositional tunability of LHPs as well as the enhanced structure dynamics as compared with oxide perovskites or more conventional semiconductors. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy contributes to this thrust through its unique capability of sampling chemical bonding element-specifically (1/2H, 13C, 14/15N, 35/37Cl, 39K, 79/81Br, 87Rb, 127I, 133Cs, and 207Pb nuclei) and locally and shedding light onto the connectivity, geometry, topology, and dynamics of bonding. NMR can therefore readily observe phase transitions, evaluate phase purity and compositional and structural disorder, and probe molecular dynamics and ionic motion in diverse forms of LHPs, in which they can be used practically, ranging from bulk single crystals (e.g., in gamma and X-ray detectors) to polycrystalline films (e.g., in photovoltaics, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes) and colloidal nanocrystals (e.g., in liquid crystal displays and future quantum light sources). Herein we also outline the immense practical potential of nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy for characterizing LHPs, owing to the strong quadrupole moments, good sensitivity, and high natural abundance of several halide nuclei (79/81Br and 127I) combined with the enhanced electric field gradients around these nuclei existing in LHPs as well as the instrumental simplicity. Strong quadrupole interactions, on one side, make 79/81Br and 127I NMR rather impractical but turn NQR into a high-resolution probe of the local structure around halide ions.

In Situ Coating CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals with Graphdiyne to Boost the Activity and Stability of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

The instability and low inferior catalytic activity of metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals are crucial issues for promoting their practical application in the photocatalytic field. Herein, we in situ coat a thin graphdiyne (GDY) layer on CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals based on a facile microwave synthesis method, and employ it as a photocatalyst for CO₂ reduction. Under the protection of GDY, the CsPbBr₃-based photocatalyst delivers significantly improved stability in a photocatalytic system containing water concomitant with enhanced CO₂ uptake capacity. The favorable energy offset and close contact between CsPbBr₃ and GDY trigger swift photogenerated electron transfer from CsPbBr₃ to doping metal sites in GDY, boosting a remarkable improvement in the photocatalytic performance for CO₂ reduction. Without adding traditional sacrificial reductants, the cobalt-doped photocatalyst achieves a high yield of 27.7 μmol g^-1 h^-1 for photocatalytic CO₂ conversion to CO based on water as a desirable electron source, which is about 8 times higher than that of pristine CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals.

Halide perovskite nanocrystals for multiphoton applications

Halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are a unique class of NCs with novel properties distinct from those of traditional semiconductor NCs. These exceptional properties of defect tolerance, large absorption coefficients, high brightness, and narrow emission linewidths stem from their atypical band structure. Their facile synthesis and broad colour tunability have attracted widespread interest for application in light emitting devices and lasers. One fledging niche area is the field of multiphoton excited emission where their giant nonlinear optical action cross-sections are highly favorable for imaging applications. This Frontier article examines the state-of-the-art in perovskite NCs for multiphoton applications from the materials science and physics perspectives that include their synthesis and nonlinear optical characterization. Opportunities and challenges of these exceptional NCs as potential fluorescent labels for multiphoton deep tissue microscopy are also highlighted.

Origin of the luminescence spectra width in perovskite nanocrystals with surface passivation

Though halide perovskite nanocrystal (PeNC) based blue light emitting devices have been improved in the last few years, and the reasons for the improvements have been successfully explained, the origin of the narrow emission spectra of PeNCs have not been studied much. Here, the factors that affect the width of the emission spectra of PeNCs are analyzed with controlled synthesis and surface passivation treatment. The overall spectra are governed by the size of PeNCs; however, the width could be narrowed by surface passivation treatment. The anion passivation effect of the surface passivation improved most of optoelectronic properties, but had less effect on the emission spectra width. The narrower emission spectra of PeNCs are obtained by ligand passivation effect of the surface passivation. Light emitting devices with enhanced optoelectronic properties are successfully fabricated and narrow (0.094 eV, 16.72 nm) blue electroluminescence emission spectra (∼470 nm) are obtained.

Long-Range Exciton Transport in Perovskite-Metal Organic Framework Solid Composites

The encapsulation of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) in metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is a promising strategy for fabricating stable and functional perovskite solid composites (denoted as PQDs@MOF), which have exhibited great potential for optoelectronics, catalysis, and luminesce applications. However, the exciton diffusion distance, one of the key factors determining the performance of PQDs@MOF in these applications, remains unknown. Herein, by using time-resolved and photoluminescence-scanned imaging microscopy, we report the observation of long-distance exciton transport (278 ± 12.6 nm) and high diffusion coefficient (0.0428 ± 0.0039 cm²/s) in MAPbBr₃ PQDs@MOF microcrystals. We show that the long exciton diffusion length, which is seven times longer than that in colloid MAPbBr₃ PQD solid films, can be attributed to the strong dipole-dipole coupling between adjacent PQDs embedded in the MOF matrix and their long carrier lifetimes. These findings demonstrate the great potential of PQDs@MOF crystals for optoelectronic applications.

Metal Halide Perovskite Nanorods: Shape Matters

Quasi-1D metal halide perovskite nanorods (NRs) are emerging as a type of materials with remarkable optical and electronic properties. Research into this field is rapidly expanding and growing in the past several years, with significant advances in both mechanistic studies of their growth and widespread possible applications. Here, the recent advances in 1D metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on NRs. At first, the crystal structures of perovskites are elaborated, which is followed by a review of the major synthetic approaches toward perovskite NRs, such as wet-chemical synthesis, substrate-assisted growth, and anion exchange reactions, and discussion of the growth mechanisms associated with each synthetic method. Then, thermal and aqueous stability and the linear polarized luminescence of perovskite NRs are considered, followed by highlighting their applications in solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors/phototransistors, and lasers. Finally, challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly developing research area are summarized.

Polymer-Ligated Nanocrystals Enabled by Nonlinear Block Copolymer Nanoreactors: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

The past several decades have witnessed substantial advances in synthesis and self-assembly of inorganic nanocrystals (NCs) due largely to their size- and shape-dependent properties for use in optics, optoelectronics, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications. Among various routes to NCs, the nonlinear block copolymer (BCP) nanoreactor technique has recently emerged as a general yet robust strategy for crafting a rich diversity of NCs of interest with precisely controlled dimensions, compositions, architectures, and surface chemistry. It is notable that nonlinear BCPs are unimolecular micelles, where each block copolymer arm of nonlinear BCP is covalently connected to a central core or polymer backbone. As such, their structures are static and stable, representing a class of functional polymers with complex architecture for directing the synthesis of NCs. In this review, recent progress in synthesizing NCs by capitalizing on two sets of nonlinear BCPs as nanoreactors are discussed. They are star-shaped BCPs for producing 0D spherical nanoparticles, including plain, hollow, and core-shell nanoparticles, and bottlebrush-like BCPs for creating 1D plain and core/shell nanorods (and nanowires) as well as nanotubes. As the surface of these NCs is intimately tethered with the outer blocks of nonlinear BCPs used, they can thus be regarded as polymer-ligated NCs (i.e., hairy NCs). First, the rational design and synthesis of nonlinear BCPs via controlled/living radical polymerizations is introduced. Subsequently, their use as the NC-directing nanoreactors to yield monodisperse nanoparticles and nanorods with judiciously engineered dimensions, compositions, and surface chemistry is examined. Afterward, the intriguing properties of such polymer-ligated NCs, which are found to depend sensitively on their sizes, architectures, and functionalities of surface polymer hairs, are highlighted. Some practical applications of these polymer-ligated NCs for energy conversion and storage and drug delivery are then discussed. Finally, challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field are presented.

Insights into the interparticle mixing of CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 nanocubes: halide ion migration and kinetics

Anion exchange of CsPbX3 nanocrystals (NCs) is an easy pathway to tune the bandgap over the entire visible region. Even the mixing of pre-synthesized CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 NCs at room temperature leads to the formation of mixed halide CsPbBr3-xIx NCs. Understanding the reaction mechanism and the kinetics of interparticle mixing is essential for fundamental aspects and device applications. Here, we probed the kinetics of ion migration through time-dependent steady-state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. We found three primary PL peaks after the mixing of NCs-bromide side peak, iodide side peak, and a new peak that emerges during the reaction. The reaction follows first-order kinetics and the activation energy is 0.75 ± 0.05 eV. We propose that the free oleylammonium halides which are in dynamic equilibrium with the NCs, eventually promote interparticle mixing that follows the anion migration from the surface to the core of the nanocrystal, which is the rate-limiting step. Overall, the inherent reaction rate between the halide anions and the nanocrystals governs the reaction kinetics.

Defect-Related Broadband Emission in Two-Dimensional Lead Bromide Perovskite Microsheets

Low-dimensional hybrid lead halide perovskites (LHPs) with broadband emission (BE) have been developed as promising candidates for single-source white-light-emitting diodes. However, the underlying origin of such BE is poorly understood. Herein, dual-emissive [NH₃(CH₂)₈NH₃]PbBr₄ perovskite microsheets (PMSs) with good dispersibility are successfully prepared. Besides the general narrowband emission (NE) originating from free excitons, BE (∼522 nm) is generated under a Br-poor condition, which is not observed in the single-crystal sample. Unlike self-trapped exciton emission, the BE observed in PMSs is experimentally determined to be related to bromide vacancies (V_Br), thereby exhibiting quasisaturation under high excitation intensity. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy first shows that the trapping time of the photogenerated electrons by acceptor-like V_Br- is ∼15 ps, slower than that by surface defects (<1 ps). This study provides new insight into the underlying mechanism of BE and an effective approach to manipulating the optical properties of 2D perovskites.

Suppression of Electric Field-Induced Segregation in Sky-Blue Perovskite Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

Inexpensive perovskite light-emitting devices fabricated by a simple wet chemical approach have recently demonstrated very prospective characteristics such as narrowband emission, low turn-on bias, high brightness, and high external quantum efficiency of electroluminescence, and have presented a good alternative to well-established technology of epitaxially grown III-V semiconducting alloys. Engineering of highly efficient perovskite light-emitting devices emitting green, red, and near-infrared light has been demonstrated in numerous reports and has faced no major fundamental limitations. On the contrary, the devices emitting blue light, in particular, based on 3D mixed-halide perovskites, suffer from electric field-induced phase separation (segregation). This crystal lattice defect-mediated phenomenon results in an undesirable color change of electroluminescence. Here we report a novel approach towards the suppression of the segregation in single-layer perovskite light-emitting electrochemical cells. Co-crystallization of direct band gap CsPb(Cl,Br)3 and indirect band gap Cs4Pb(Cl,Br)6 phases in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) during a thin film deposition affords passivation of surface defect states and an increase in the density of photoexcited charge carriers in CsPb(Cl,Br)3 grains. Furthermore, the hexahalide phase prevents the dissociation of the emissive grains in the strong electric field during the device operation. Entirely resistant to 5.7 × 106 V·m−1 electric field-driven segregation light-emitting electrochemical cell exhibits stable emission at wavelength 479 nm with maximum external quantum efficiency 0.7%, maximum brightness 47 cd·m−2, and turn-on bias of 2.5 V.

Monitoring of reaction kinetics and determination of trace water in hydrophobic organic solvents by a smartphone-based ratiometric fluorescence device

A smartphone-based ratiometric fluorescence device was designed to monitor the reaction kinetic process under vigorous mixing conditions, demonstrated by the hydrolysis of Cs₄PbBr₆ nanocrystals (NCs). In the presence of trace water, part of Cs₄PbBr₆ NCs (non-fluorescent) was converted to CsPbBr₃ NCs (strong fluorescent). Using anthracene as the reference fluorophore, the brightness ratio of the green (from CsPbBr₃ NCs) to blue (from anthracene) components in the fluorescence image which was recorded in situ by the smartphone camera was measured as the signal for kinetic analysis. It was shown that the water-triggered conversion reaction from Cs₄PbBr₆ NCs to CsPbBr₃ NCs follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model in the early rapid hydrolysis stage (up to 4 min). With increasing water content, the hydrolysis of Cs₄PbBr₆ NCs is promoted to yield more CsPbBr₃ NCs, which was used to determine trace water in n-hexane, dichloromethane, and toluene with detection limits of 0.031, 0.043, and 0.057 μL mL^-1, respectively. The device offers the advantages of portability and low cost for rapid field determination of trace water in hydrophobic organic solvents. Graphical abstract.

Whispering-Gallery Mode Lasing in Perovskite Nanocrystals Chemically Bound to Silicon Dioxide Microspheres

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals exhibit high photoluminescence quantum efficiencies and tunability across the visible spectrum. This makes these crystals ideal candidates for solar panels, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and especially nanolasers. Due to the versatility of cation substitution in perovskite nanocrystals, they can be grown on amine-functionalized silicon dioxide nanoparticles, where the amine linker replaces the standard cation structure. Selectively growing luminescent nanocrystals on spherical silicon dioxide microspheres results in the opportunity to populate whispering-gallery modes in these spherical silica microspheres. In this case, the nanocrystal halide composition can be used to selectively tune the emission wavelength mode, and microsphere radius to tune the mode spacing. This silicon dioxide attachment also adds to the overall stability of the system. Through photoluminescence microscopy measurements, we show whispering gallery modes in individual perovskite-coated microspheres for CsPbBr₃ and CsPbI₃ nanocrystals on 9.2 μm diameter silica spheres and compare these to theoretically predicted optical modes. In CsPbBr₃, we provide evidence that these modes will lase under optical excitation, with a threshold of 750 μJ/cm². This study presents a novel system that, through optimization, could be a promising pathway to achieve facile and stable perovskite nanolasers.

Electroplated Silver-Nickel Core-Shell Nanowire Network Electrodes for Highly Efficient Perovskite Nanoparticle Light-Emitting Diodes

The low sheet resistance and high optical transparency of silver nanowires (AgNWs) make them a promising candidate for use as the flexible transparent electrode of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In a perovskite LED (PeLED), however, the AgNW electrode can react with the overlying perovskite material by redox reactions, which limit the electroluminescence efficiency of the PeLED by causing the degradation of and generating defect states in the perovskite material. In this study, we prepared Ag-Ni core-shell NW electrodes using the solution-electroplating technique to realize highly efficient PeLEDs based on colloidal formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr₃) nanoparticles (NPs). Solvated Ni ions from the NiSO₄ source were deposited onto the surface of AgNW networks in three steps: (i) cathodic cleaning, (ii) adsorption of the Ni-ion complex onto the AgNW surface, and (iii) uniform electrodeposition of Ni. An ultrathin (∼3.5 nm) Ni layer was uniformly deposited onto the AgNW surface, which exhibited a sheet resistance of 16.7 Ω/sq and an optical transmittance of 90.2%. The Ag-Ni core-shell NWs not only increased the work function of the AgNW electrode, which facilitated hole injection into the emitting layer, but also suppressed the redox reaction between Ag and FAPbBr₃ NPs, which prevented the degradation of the emitting layer and the generation of defect states in it. The resulting PeLEDs based on FAPbBr₃ NPs with the Ag-Ni core-shell NWs showed high current efficiency of 44.01 cd/A, power efficiency of 35.45 lm/W, and external quantum efficiency of 9.67%.

Synthesis of Perovskite Nanocrystals and Their Photon-Emission Application in Conjunction With Liquid Crystals

Perovskite nanocrystals have attracted worldwide attention due to their outstanding optical versatility, high photoluminescence quantum yields, and facile synthesis. In this review, we firstly revisit the synthetic methods for perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs), including hot injection, anion exchange, solvothermal reaction, etc. In the meantime, we discuss effects of the different synthetic methods on the properties of PNCs, including the crystal size, emission spectral feature, quantum yield, etc., followed by several optimizing strategies. Finally, lasing and display applications of these PNCs in combination with liquid crystal materials are discussed thoroughly. Outlooks on the challenges and opportunities of these nanocrystalline materials in terms of adjunct applications with liquid crystals have been presented at the end, which are highly promising for next-generation light emission applications.

Recent Progress in Engineering Metal Halide Perovskites for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalysis

Artificial photosynthesis has attracted increasing attention due to recent environmental and energy concerns. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) demonstrating excellent optoelectronic properties have currently emerged as novel and efficient photocatalytic materials. Herein, the structural features of MHPs that are responsible for the photoinduced charge separation and charge migration properties are briefly introduced, and then important and necessary photophysical and photochemical aspects of MHPs related to photoredox catalysis are summarized. Subsequently, the applications of MHPs for solar energy harvesting and photocatalytic conversion, including H₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction, degradation of organic pollutants, and photoredox organic synthesis, are extensively demonstrated, with a focus on strategies for improving the performance (e.g., selectivity, activity, stability, recyclability, and environmental compatibility) of these MHP-based photocatalytic systems. To conclude, existing challenges and prospects on the future development of MHP-based materials towards photoredox catalysis applications are detailed.

Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction: Successes and Challenges

In current research, halide perovskite nanocrystals have emerged as one of the potential materials for light-harvesting and photovoltaic applications. However, because of phase sensitivity, their exploration as photocatalysts in polar mediums is limited. It has been recently reported that these nanocrystals are capable of driving solar-to-chemical production through CO₂ reduction. Using bare nanocrystals and also coupling in different supports, several reports on CO₂ reduction in low polar mediums were reported, and the mechanism of involved redox processes was also proposed. Considering the importance of this upcoming catalytic activity of perovskites, in this Perspective, details of the developments in the field established to date and supported by several established facts are reported. In addition, some unestablished stories or unsolved pathways surrounding the redox process and the importance of using a polar solvent which confused the understanding of the exclusive roles of perovskite nanocrystals in catalysis are also discussed. Further, the future prospects of these materials that face challenges in dispersing in polar solvents, a key process in redox catalysis for CO₂ reduction, are also discussed.

Emission Quenching and Recovery of Illuminated Perovskite Quantum Dots Due to Iodide Ion Migration

All-inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are well-known to easily lose their luminescence emission under light illumination, which is often attributed to a photoinduced degradation mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that such quenched emission of PQDs can completely recover in the dark at room temperature, which occurs through a spontaneous "self-healing" mechanism. Our findings indicate that the loss of emission under light illumination is not due to the generally accepted photoinduced degradation, as otherwise the complete recovery would not be possible. Instead, we attribute the emission loss and its subsequent recovery to the migration of iodide ions on the PQD surface. Under illumination, the iodide ions migrate out and associate to adjacent lead ions on the PQD surface, leading to halide vacancies, lattice distortions, and fluorescence quenching. During the recovery process, the migrated iodide ions spontaneously migrate back and fill halide vacancies, resulting in fluorescence recovery. The results of this study offer a useful solution on how to improve the emission and photostability of PQDs.

Interface Matters: Enhanced Photoluminescence and Long-Term Stability of Zero-Dimensional Cesium Lead Bromide Nanocrystals via Gas-Phase Aluminum Oxide Encapsulation

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs), while possessing facile chemical synthesis routes and high photoluminescence (PL) properties, are still challenged by issues of instability and degradation. Although atomic layer deposition (ALD) of metal oxides has been one of the common encapsulation approaches for longer term stability, its application inevitably resulted in severe loss of emission efficiency and at times partial loss of structural integrity of perovskites, creating a bottleneck in its practical viability. We demonstrate a nondestructive modified gas-phase technique with codeposition of both precursors trimethylaluminum and water to dramatically enhance the PL emission in zero-dimensional (0D) Cs₄PbBr₆ PNCs via alumina encapsulation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of Cs₄PbBr₆ films reveals the alumina deposition to be accompanied by elemental composition changes, particularly by the reduction of the excessive cesium content. Ab initio density functional theory simulations further unfold that the presence of excess Cs on the surface of PNCs leads to decomposition of structural [PbBr₆]^4- octahedra in the 0D perovskite lattice, which can be prevented in the presence of added hydroxyl groups. Our study thus unveils the pivotal role of the PNC surface composition and treatment in the process of its interaction with metal oxide precursors to control the PL properties as well as the stability of PNCs, providing an unprecedented way to use the conventional ALD technique for their successful integration into optoelectronic and photonic devices with improved properties.

Direct Z-Scheme 0D/2D Heterojunction of CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots/Bi2WO6 Nanosheets for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction is an appealing approach to convert solar energy into high value-added chemicals. All-inorganic CsPbBr₃ quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as a promising photocatalyst for reducing CO₂. However, pristine CsPbBr₃ has a low catalytic performance, mainly due to severe charge recombination. Herein, a 0D/2D heterojunction of CsPbBr₃ QDs/Bi₂WO₆ nanosheet (CPB/BWO) photocatalysts is fabricated for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. The CPB/BWO photocatalyst achieves excellent photocatalytic performance: the total yield of CH₄/CO is 503 μmol g^-1, nearly 9.5 times higher than the pristine CsPbBr₃. The CPB/BWO heterojunction also exhibits much-improved stability during photocatalytic reactions. On the basis of various characterization techniques, our investigations verified a direct Z-scheme charge migration mechanism between CsPbBr₃ QDs and Bi₂WO₆ nanosheets. The improved photocatalytic performance is originated from the high spatial separation of photoexcited charge carriers in CPB/BWO, which can also preserve strong individual redox abilities of two components. This work reports an efficient direct Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalytic system based on metal halide perovskites. The novel strategy we proposed may bring up new opportunities for the development of metal halide perovskite photocatalysts with greatly enhanced activities.

Ligand-Length Modification in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals and Bilayers with PbS Quantum Dots for Improved Photodetection Performance

Nanocrystals surface chemistry engineering offers a direct approach to tune charge carrier dynamics in nanocrystals-based photodetectors. For this purpose, we have investigated the effects of altering the surface chemistry of thin films of CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals produced by the doctor blading technique, via solid state ligand-exchange using 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). The electrical and electro-optical properties of photovoltaic and photoconductor devices were improved after the MPA ligand exchange, mainly because of a mobility increase up to 5 × 10⁻³cm2/Vs. The same technology was developed to build a tandem photovoltaic device based on a bilayer of PbS quantum dots (QDs) and CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals. Here, the ligand exchange was successfully carried out in a single step after the deposition of these two layers. The photodetector device showed responsivities around 40 and 20 mA/W at visible and near infrared wavelengths, respectively. This strategy can be of interest for future visible-NIR cameras, optical sensors, or receivers in photonic devices for future Internet-of-Things technology.

Universal Size-Dependent Stokes Shifts in Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Size-dependent photoluminescence Stokes shifts (ΔE_s) universally exist in CsPbX₃ (X = Cl^-, Br^-, or I^-) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). ΔE_s values, which range from ∼15 to 100 meV for NCs with average edge lengths (l) from approximately 13 to 3 nm, are halide-dependent such that ΔE_s(CsPbI₃) > ΔE_s(CsPbBr₃) ≳ ΔE_s(CsPbCl₃). Observed size-dependent Stokes shifts are not artifacts of ensemble size distributions as demonstrated through measurements of single CsPbBr₃ NC Stokes shifts (⟨ΔE_s⟩ = 42 ± 5 meV), which are in near quantitative agreement with associated ensemble (l = 6.8 ± 0.8 nm) ΔE_s values (ΔE_s ≈ 50 meV). Transient differential absorption measurements additionally illustrate no significant spectral dynamics on the picosecond time scale that would contribute to ΔE_s. This excludes polaron formation as being responsible for ΔE_s. Altogether, the results point to an origin for ΔE_s, intrinsic to the size-dependent electronic properties of individual perovskite NCs.