Photoluminescence Flickering and Blinking of Single CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals: Revealing Explicit Carrier Recombination Dynamics

Strongly-confined colloidal lead-halide perovskite quantum dots: from synthesis to applications

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals enable the realization and exploitation of quantum phenomena in a controlled manner, and can be scaled up for commercial uses. These materials have become important for a wide range of applications, from ultrahigh definition displays, to solar cells, quantum computing, bioimaging, optical communications, and many more. Over the last decade, lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals have rapidly gained prominence as efficient semiconductors. Although the majority of studies have focused on large nanocrystals in the weak- to intermediate-confinement regime, quantum dots (QDs) in the strongly-confined regime (with sizes smaller than the Bohr diameter, which ranges from 4-12 nm for lead-halide perovskites) offer unique opportunities, including polarized light emission and color-pure, stable luminescence in the region that is unattainable by perovskites with single-halide compositions. In this tutorial review, we bring together the latest insights into this emerging and rapidly growing area, focusing on the synthesis, steady-state optical properties (including exciton fine-structure splitting), and transient kinetics (including hot carrier cooling) of strongly-confined perovskite QDs. We also discuss recent advances in their applications, including single photon emission for quantum technologies, as well as light-emitting diodes. We finish with our perspectives on future challenges and opportunities for strongly-confined QDs, particularly around improving the control over monodispersity and stability, important fundamental questions on the photophysics, and paths forward to improve the performance of perovskite QDs in light-emitting diodes.

Conversion of Photoluminescence Blinking Types in Single Colloidal Quantum Dots

Almost all colloidal quantum dots (QDs) exhibit undesired photoluminescence (PL) blinking, which poses a significant obstacle to their use in numerous luminescence applications. An in-depth study of the blinking behavior, along with the associated mechanisms, can provide critical opportunities for fabricating high-quality QDs for diverse applications. Here the blinking of a large series of colloidal QDs is investigated with different surface ligands, particle sizes, shell thicknesses, and compositions. It is found that the blinking behavior of single alloyed CdSe/ZnS QDs with a shell thickness of up to 2 nm undergoes an irreversible conversion from Auger-blinking to band-edge carrier blinking (BC-blinking). Contrastingly, single perovskite QDs with particle sizes smaller than their Bohr diameters exhibit reversible conversion between BC-blinking and more pronounced Auger-blinking. Changes in the effective trapping sites under different excitation conditions are found to be responsible for the blinking type conversions. Additionally, changes in shell thickness and particle size of QDs have a significant effect on the blinking type conversions due to altered wavefunction overlap between excitons and effective trapping sites. This study elucidates the discrepancies in the blinking behavior of various QD samples observed in previous reports and provides deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying diverse types of blinking.

Coherent Spin Dynamics of Electrons in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals at Room Temperature

Coherent spin dynamics of charge carriers in CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals are studied in a temperature range of 4-300 K and in magnetic fields of up to 500 mT using time-resolved pump-probe Faraday rotation and differential transmission techniques. We detect electron spin Larmor precession in the entire temperature range. At temperatures below 50 K, hole spin precession is also observed. The temperature dependences of spin-related parameters, such as Landè g-factor and spin dephasing time are measured and analyzed. The electron g-factor increases with growing temperature, which can not be described by the temperature-induced band gap renormalization. We find that photocharging of the nanocrystals with either electrons or holes depends on the sample cooling regime, namely the cooling rate and illumination conditions. The type of the charge carrier provided by the photocharging can be identified via the carrier spin Larmor precession.

2D nanosheets of layered double perovskites: synthesis, photostable bright orange emission and photoluminescence blinking

Lead (Pb)-free layered double perovskites (LDPs) with exciting optical properties and environmental stability have sparked attention in optoelectronics, but their high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield and understanding of the PL blinking phenomenon at the single particle level are still elusive. Herein, we not only demonstrate a hot-injection route for the synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) ∼2-3 layer thick nanosheets (NSs) of LDP, Cs₄CdBi₂Cl₁₂ (pristine), and its partially Mn-substituted analogue [i.e., Cs₄Cd_0.6Mn_0.4Bi₂Cl₁₂ (Mn-substituted)], but also present a solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of these samples as bulk powders. Bright and intense orange emission has been perceived for partially Mn-substituted 2D NSs with a relatively high PL quantum yield (PLQY) of ∼21%. The PL and lifetime measurements both at cryogenic (77 K) and room temperatures were employed to understand the de-excitation pathways of charge carriers. With the implementation of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy and time-resolved single particle tracking, we identified the occurrence of metastable non-radiative recombination channels in a single NS. In contrast to the rapid photo-bleaching that resulted in a PL blinking-like nature of the controlled pristine NS, the 2D NS of the Mn-substituted sample displayed negligible photo-bleaching with suppression of PL fluctuation under continuous illumination. The blinking-like nature in pristine NSs appeared due to a dynamic equilibrium flanked by the active and in-active states of metastable non-radiative channels. However, the partial substitution of Mn²⁺ stabilized the in-active state of the non-radiative channels, which increased the PLQY and suppressed PL fluctuation and photo-bleaching events in Mn-substituted NSs.

Design Rules for Obtaining Narrow Luminescence from Semiconductors Made in Solution

Solution-processed semiconductors are in demand for present and next-generation optoelectronic technologies ranging from displays to quantum light sources because of their scalability and ease of integration into devices with diverse form factors. One of the central requirements for semiconductors used in these applications is a narrow photoluminescence (PL) line width. Narrow emission line widths are needed to ensure both color and single-photon purity, raising the question of what design rules are needed to obtain narrow emission from semiconductors made in solution. In this review, we first examine the requirements for colloidal emitters for a variety of applications including light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, lasers, and quantum information science. Next, we will delve into the sources of spectral broadening, including "homogeneous" broadening from dynamical broadening mechanisms in single-particle spectra, heterogeneous broadening from static structural differences in ensemble spectra, and spectral diffusion. Then, we compare the current state of the art in terms of emission line width for a variety of colloidal materials including II-VI quantum dots (QDs) and nanoplatelets, III-V QDs, alloyed QDs, metal-halide perovskites including nanocrystals and 2D structures, doped nanocrystals, and, finally, as a point of comparison, organic molecules. We end with some conclusions and connections, including an outline of promising paths forward.

Strongly Confined CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots as Quantum Emitters and Building Blocks for Rhombic Superlattices

The success of the colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) field is rooted in the precise synthetic control of QD size, shape, and composition, enabling electronically well-defined functional nanomaterials that foster fundamental science and motivate diverse fields of applications. While the exploitation of the strong confinement regime has been driving commercial and scientific interest in InP or CdSe QDs, such a regime has still not been thoroughly explored and exploited for lead-halide perovskite QDs, mainly due to a so far insufficient chemical stability and size monodispersity of perovskite QDs smaller than about 7 nm. Here, we demonstrate chemically stable strongly confined 5 nm CsPbBr3 colloidal QDs via a postsynthetic treatment employing didodecyldimethylammonium bromide ligands. The achieved high size monodispersity (7.5% ± 2.0%) and shape-uniformity enables the self-assembly of QD superlattices with exceptional long-range order, uniform thickness, an unusual rhombic packing with an obtuse angle of 104°, and narrow-band cyan emission. The enhanced chemical stability indicates the promise of strongly confined perovskite QDs for solution-processed single-photon sources, with single QDs showcasing a high single-photon purity of 73% and minimal blinking (78% "on" fraction), both at room temperature.

Phase-Stable and Highly Luminescent CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanocrystals with Suppressed Photoluminescence Blinking

Despite their low band gap, the utility of CsPbI₃ nanocrystals (NCs) in solar photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications is rather limited because of their phase instability and photoluminescence (PL) intermittency. Herein we show that phase-pure, monodispersed, stable and highly luminescent CsPbI₃ NCs can be obtained by tweaking the conventional hot-injection method employing NH₄I as an additional precursor. Single-particle studies show a significant suppression of PL blinking. Among all NCs studied, 60% exhibit only high-intensity ON states with a narrow distribution of intensity. The remaining 40% of NCs exhibit a much wider distribution of PL intensity with a significant contribution of low-intensity OFF states. Excellent characteristics of these CsPbI₃ NCs are shown to be the result of NH₄⁺ replacing some surface Cs⁺ of an iodide-rich surface of the NCs. These phase-stable and highly luminescent CsPbI₃ NCs with significantly suppressed PL blinking can be useful single-photon emitters and promising materials for optoelectronic and solar photovoltaic applications.

Water-dispersed CsPbBr3 nanocrystals for single molecule localization microscopy with high location accuracy for targeted bioimaging

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is one of the most promising super-resolution imaging techniques for visualizing ultrasmall cellular structures. Here, water-dispersed perovskite CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals (CsPbBr₃ NCs) fabricated by a one-step mechanochemical method are explored as a SMLM fluorophore for bioimaging. Due to their ultrahigh photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), inherent frequent fluorescence blinking, proper duty cycle and long-term photostability, an extremely high location precision of ∼3 nm was achieved, a sixfold enhancement than those reported previously. In addition, the spatial resolution of a SMLM image depends on the size of CsPbBr₃ NCs, which is approximately 23 nm. Two closely spaced CsPbBr₃ NCs with a gap of 40 nm can be clearly distinguished in the SMLM image. More importantly, unlike most perovskite quantum dots (QDs), one-step mechanochemically prepared CsPbBr₃ NCs can retain their excellent fluorescence characteristics even after surface biofunctionalization, greatly reducing the current limitations of perovskite QDs on bioimaging. As an example, cell-derived exosomes (30-150 nm in diameter) labeled with CsPbBr₃ NCs were easily identified by SMLM. In addition, after being functionalized with biotin, targeted SMLM imaging of the nuclear lamina or cell membranes of cells was achieved with an enhanced resolution. This work may open up a promising avenue to expand the field of perovskite QD-based SMLM to bioimaging with a high location accuracy.

Wavelength Tunable Aqueous CsPbBr3-Based Nanoprobes with Ultrahigh Photostability for Targeted Super-Resolution Bioimaging

Single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is indispensable in the visualization of cellular microstructures. However, current SMLM imaging materials, from organic fluorophores to quantum dots, still lack the requirement of increasing need for multiple targets of interest due to their broad emission. Here, by one-step encapsulating hydrophilic cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbBr₃ NCs) into functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG), a core-shell nanocomposite of CsPb(Cl_(1-x)/Br_x)₃@PEG (0 < x < 1) was presented as a wavelength-tunable fluorescent probe with the narrow full width at half-maximum (fwhm) as 11 nm. The layer of functionalized PEG endows CsPbBr₃ NCs with a broad spectral tunability from 521 to 431 nm, superior photostability for several years, and the ability to be further surface functionalized. The CsPb(Cl_(1-x)/Br_x)₃@PEG exhibits a sub-10 nm localization precision and 10-fold enhanced spatial resolution. Using exosomes with small sizes less than 150 nm as the imaging target, CsPb(Cl_(1-x)/Br_x)₃@PEG realized the distinction of two adjacent exosomes by SMLM. Moreover, after being modified with biotin, CsPb(Cl_(1-x)/Br_x)₃@PEG was universally used for SMLM imaging of cellular microstructures. The excellent photostability and narrow fwhm indicated that such a CsPbBr₃-based nanoprobe has great potential as a commercial dye for multitarget super-resolution bioimaging applications.

Suppressed Blinking and Polarization-Dependent Emission Enhancement of Single ZnCdSe/ZnS Dot Coupled with Au Nanorods

Fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have attracted extensive attention because of their promising applications in many fields such as quantum optics, optoelectronics, solid-state lighting, and bioimaging. However, photo-blinking, low emission efficiency, and instability are the drawbacks of fluorescent QD-based devices, affecting their optical properties and practical applications. Here, we report suppressed blinking, enhanced radiative rate, and polarization-dependent emission properties of single ZnCdSe/ZnS QDs assembled on the surface of Au nanorods (NRs). We found that the local surface plasmon (LSP) of Au NRs significantly regulates the excitation and emission properties of the composite ZnCdSe/ZnS QD-Au NRs (QD-Au NRs). The average number of photons emitted per unit time from single QD-Au NRs has been significantly enhanced compared with that of single ZnCdSe/ZnS QDs on the coverslip, accompanied by a drastically shortened lifetime and suppressed blinking. According to the experimental and simulation analysis, the photogenerated LSP field of Au NRs remarkably increases the excitation transition and the radiative rates of QD-Au NRs. Although the emission efficiency is slightly increased, the synergetic enhancement of excitation and radiative rates sufficiently competes with the nonradiative process to compensate for the low emission efficiency of QDs and ultimately suppress the photo-blinking of QD-Au NRs. Moreover, the polarization-dependent emission enhancement has also been observed and theoretically analyzed, demonstrating good consistency and confirming the contribution of excitation enhancement. Our findings present a practical strategy to improve the optical properties and stability of single QD-Au NR composite and provide essential information for a deep understanding of the interaction between emitters and the LSP field of metal nanoparticles.

Photon Recycling in CsPbBr3 All-Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals

Photon recycling, the iterative process of re-absorption and re-emission of photons in an absorbing medium, can play an important role in the power-conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells. To date, several studies have proposed that this process may occur in bulk or thin films of inorganic lead-halide perovskites, but conclusive proof of the occurrence and magnitude of this effect is missing. Here, we provide clear evidence and quantitative estimation of photon recycling in CsPbBr₃ nanocrystal suspensions by combining measurements of steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) and PL quantum yield with simulations of photon diffusion through the suspension. The steady-state PL shows clear spectral modifications including red shifts and quantum yield decrease, while the time-resolved measurements show prolonged PL decay and rise times. These effects grow as the nanocrystal concentration and distance traveled through the suspension increase. Monte Carlo simulations of photons diffusing through the medium and exhibiting absorption and re-emission account quantitatively for the observed trends and show that up to five re-emission cycles are involved. We thus identify 4 quantifiable measures, PL red shift, PL QY, PL decay time, and PL rise time that together all point toward repeated, energy-directed radiative transfer between nanocrystals. These results highlight the importance of photon recycling for both optical properties and photovoltaic applications of inorganic perovskite nanocrystals.

Near-Ergodic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystal with Minimal Statistical Aging

Optical robustness, uniformity, ergodicity, statistical aging, etc. dictate the applicability of nanocrystals. Based on a series of multimodal statistical analyses such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Lévy statistics, etc., we demonstrate that for CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs): (a) the extent of heterogeneity in the quality and associated physical processes is minimal; (b) the optical robustness is very high, and (c) indeed, a single PNC can depict optical behavior of its ensemble. In addition, toward prospective applications, an optically robust CsPbBr₃ PNC exhibits (i) near-ergodicity and (ii) minimal statistical aging, which are extremely vital and complementary to its high defect tolerance.

Fröhlich interaction dominated by a single phonon mode in CsPbBr3

The excellent optoelectronic performance of lead halide perovskites has generated great interest in their fundamental properties. The polar nature of the perovskite lattice means that electron-lattice coupling is governed by the Fröhlich interaction. Still, considerable ambiguity exists regarding the phonon modes that participate in this crucial mechanism. Here, we use multiphonon Raman scattering and THz time-domain spectroscopy to investigate Fröhlich coupling in CsPbBr₃. We identify a longitudinal optical phonon mode that dominates the interaction, and surmise that this mode effectively defines exciton-phonon scattering in CsPbBr₃, and possibly similar materials. It is additionally revealed that the observed strength of the Fröhlich interaction is significantly higher than the expected intrinsic value for CsPbBr₃, and is likely enhanced by carrier localization in the colloidal perovskite nanocrystals. Our experiments also unearthed a dipole-related dielectric relaxation mechanism which may impact transport properties.

Electron-phonon interaction is essential for understanding electronic and optical properties of lead halide perovskites. Here, using multiphonon Raman scattering and THz time-domain spectroscopy, the authors characterize the full phonon spectrum of CsPbBr₃ and identify a single phonon mode that dominates electron-phonon scattering.

State of the Art and Prospects for Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Metal-halide perovskites have rapidly emerged as one of the most promising materials of the 21st century, with many exciting properties and great potential for a broad range of applications, from photovoltaics to optoelectronics and photocatalysis. The ease with which metal-halide perovskites can be synthesized in the form of brightly luminescent colloidal nanocrystals, as well as their tunable and intriguing optical and electronic properties, has attracted researchers from different disciplines of science and technology. In the last few years, there has been a significant progress in the shape-controlled synthesis of perovskite nanocrystals and understanding of their properties and applications. In this comprehensive review, researchers having expertise in different fields (chemistry, physics, and device engineering) of metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals have joined together to provide a state of the art overview and future prospects of metal-halide perovskite nanocrystal research.

Revealing Explicit Microsecond Carrier Diffusion from One Emission Center to Another in an All-Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystal

Blinking of freely diffusing CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals (NCs) is studied using fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy (FLCS). Emitted photons from each NCs are assigned to an emission state (exciton or trap) based on their lifetime. Subsequently, an intrastate autocorrelation function (ACF) and an interstate cross-correlation function (CCF) are constructed. Fitting of the AFCs with an analytical model shows that, at low excitation power, the microsecond blinking timescale of the exciton state matches well with that of the trap state. Most interestingly, both of those timescales further correlate with the microsecond growth timescale of the CCF. The strong anti-correlation of the CCF along with the stretched exponential nature of the blinking kinetics confirms the involvement of carrier diffusion and dispersive trap states in NC blinking. At high excitation power, enhanced sample heterogeneity causes a more dispersive blinking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a NC blinking study using a single-molecule-based FLCS technique.

Intermittency of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots Analyzed by an Unbiased Statistical Analysis

We analyze intermittency in intensity and fluorescence lifetime of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots by applying unbiased Bayesian inference analysis methods. We apply change-point analysis (CPA) and a Bayesian state clustering algorithm to determine the timing of switching events and the number of states between which switching occurs in a statistically unbiased manner, which we have benchmarked particularly to apply to highly multistate emitters. We conclude that perovskite quantum dots display a plethora of gray states in which brightness, broadly speaking, correlates inversely with decay rate, confirming the multiple recombination centers model. We leverage the CPA partitioning analysis to examine aging and memory effects. We find that dots tend to return to the bright state before jumping to a dim state and that when choosing a dim state, they tend to explore the entire set of states available.

Excited-State Properties of Defected Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots: Insights from Computation

CsPbBr₃ quantum dots (QDs) have been recently suggested for their application as bright green light-emitting diodes (LEDs); however, their optical properties are yet to be fully understood and characterized. In this work, we utilize time-dependent density functional theory to analyze the ground and excited states of the CsPbBr₃ clusters in the presence of various low formation energy vacancy defects. Our study finds that the QD perovskites retain their defect tolerance with limited perturbance to the simulated UV-vis spectra. The exception to this general trend is that Br vacancies must be avoided, as they cause molecular orbital localization, resulting in trap states and lower LED performance. Blinking will likely still plague CsPbBr₃ QDs, given that the charged defects critically perturb the spectra via red-shifting and lower absorbance. Our study provides insight into the tunability of CsPbBr₃ QDs optical properties by understanding the nature of the electronic excitations and guiding improved development for high-performance LEDs.

Revealing Dynamic Effects of Mobile Ions in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Using Time-Resolved Microspectroscopy

Halide perovskites are promising candidate materials for the next generation high-efficiency optoelectronic devices. Since perovskites are electronic-ionic mixed conductors, ion dynamics have a critical impact on the performance and stability of perovskite-based applications. However, comprehensively understanding ionic dynamics is challenging, particularly on nanoscale imaging of ionic dynamics in perovskites. In this review, mobile ion dynamics in halide perovskites investigated via luminescence spectroscopy combined with confocal microscopy are discussed, including mobile ion induced fluorescence quenching, phase segregation in mixed halide hybrid perovskite, and mobile ion accumulation at the interface in perovskite devices. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence imaging techniques, combined with confocal microscopy, are unique tools for probing ionic dynamics in perovskites, providing invaluable insights on ionic dynamics in nanoscale resolution, along with a wide temporal range from picoseconds to hours. The works in this review are not only for understanding mobile ions to improve the design of perovskite-based devices but also foster the development of microspectroscopic methodologies in a broader solid-state physics context of investigating ionic transports in polycrystalline materials.

Metal Halide Perovskite@Metal-Organic Framework Hybrids: Synthesis, Design, Properties, and Applications

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have excellent optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications because of their cost-effectiveness, tunable emission, high photoluminescence quantum yields, and excellent charge carrier properties. However, the potential applications of the entire MHP family are facing a major challenge arising from its weak resistance to moisture, polar solvents, temperature, and light exposure. A viable strategy to enhance the stability of MHPs could lie in their incorporation into a porous template. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have outstanding properties, with a unique network of ordered/functional pores, which render them promising for functioning as such a template, accommodating a wide range of MHPs to the nanosized region, alongside minimizing particle aggregation and enhancing the stability of the entrapped species. This review highlights recent advances in design strategies, synthesis, characterization, and properties of various hybrids of MOFs with MHPs. Particular attention is paid to a critical review of the emergence of MHP@MOF for comprehensive studies of next-generation materials for various technological applications including sensors, photocatalysis, encryption/decryption, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. Finally, by summarizing the state-of-the-art, some promising future applications of reported hybrids are proposed. Considering the inherent correlation and synergic functionalities of MHPs and MOFs, further advancement; new functional materials; and applications can be achieved through designing MHP@MOF hybrids.

Synthesis and Localized Photoluminescence Blinking of Lead-Free 2D Nanostructures of Cs3 Bi2 I6 Cl3 Perovskite

Two-dimensional (2D) lead-free halide perovskites have generated enormous perception in the field of optoelectronics due to their fascinating optical properties. However, an in-depth understanding on their shape-controlled charge-carrier recombination dynamics is still lacking, which could be resolved by exploring the photoluminescence (PL) blinking behaviour at the single-particle level. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, the synthesis of nanocrystals (NCs) and 2D nanosheets (NSs) of layered mixed halide, Cs₃ Bi₂ I₆ Cl₃ , by solution-based method. We applied fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution optical imaging at single-particle level to investigate their morphology-dependent PL properties. Narrow emission line widths and passivation of non-radiative defects were evidenced for 2D layered nanostructures, whereas the activation of shallow trap states was recognized at 77 K. Interestingly, individual NCs were found to display temporal intermittency (blinking) in PL emission. On the other hand, NS showed temporal PL intensity fluctuations within localized domains of the crystal. In addition, super-resolution optical image of the NS from localization-based method showed spatial inhomogeneity of the PL intensity within perovskite crystal.

Strong fluorescence blinking of large-size all-inorganic perovskite nano-spheres

We demonstrated strong fluorescence blinking on large all-inorganic perovskite (CsPbBr₃) nano-spheres. By performing (time-resolved) micro-photoluminescence (μ-PL) measurements, the unique blinking characteristics of the as-grown nano-spheres with diameters of hundred nanometers, are clearly observed. Blinking has no obvious on/off states, which is different from the blinking characteristics of quantum dots. It is believed that the blinking of fluorescence is caused by metastable defect-induced trapping of carriers on the surface of the nano-spheres, because dramatically suppressed fluorescence blinking and the decay rates of ultrafast carriers are realized by surface passivation of the nano-spheres. Surface defects are closely related to the ambient atmosphere, which has been further confirmed by PL measurements of the as-grown nano-spheres in vacuum. Additionally, we also found that the fluorescence blinking was significantly suppressed as the sample size increased, which can be attributed to the large-size induced average effect on fluorescence blinking. These results may be important for understanding the mechanism of the fluorescence blinking of perovskite materials and for developing optical devices with good fluorescence stability.

Memories in the photoluminescence intermittency of single cesium lead bromide nanocrystals

Single cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) nanocrystals show strong photoluminescence intermittency, with on- and off- dwelling times following power-law distributions. We investigate the correlations for successive on-times and successive off-times, and find a memory effect in the photoluminescence intermittency of such inorganic perovskite nanocrystals. This memory effect is not sensitive to the nature of the surface capping ligand and the embedding polymer. These observations suggest that photoluminescence intermittency and its memory are mainly controlled by intrinsic traps in the nanocrystals. Our findings will help optimizing light-emitting devices based on these perovskite nanocrystals.

Extent of Shallow/Deep Trap States beyond the Conduction Band Minimum in Defect-Tolerant CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dot: Control over the Degree of Charge Carrier Recombination

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are known to be defect-tolerant, possessing a clean band gap with optically inactive benign defect states. However, we show that there exist significant deep trap states beyond the conduction band minimum, although the extent of shallow trap states is observed to be minimal. The extent of deep trap states beyond the conduction band minimum seems to be significant in PQDs; however, the extent is less than that of even optically robust CdSe- and InP-based core/alloy-shell QDs. In-depth analyses based on ultrafast transient absorption and ultrasensitive single-particle spectroscopic investigations decode the underlying degree of charge carrier recombination in CsPbBr₃ PQDs, which is quite important for energy applications.

Verification of Type-A and Type-B-HC Blinking Mechanisms of Organic-Inorganic Formamidinium Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots by FLID Measurements

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals or quantum dots (PQDs) are excellent candidates for optoelectronic applications, such as lasers, solar cells, light emitting diodes, and single photon sources. However, the potential applications of PQDs can expand once the photoluminescence, and in particular, the blinking behaviors of single PQDs are understood. Although the blinking of PQDs has been studied extensively recently, the underlying mechanism of the blinking behaviors is still under debate. In this study, we confirmed that type-A and type-B-HC (hot carrier) blinking, contributed to PQD blinking using their fluorescence lifetime intensity distribution (FLID). Type-B-HC blinking was experimentally confirmed for the first time for formamidinium based PQDs, and the simultaneous contributions of type-A and type-B blinking were clearly specified. Further, we related different FLID data to the ON/OFF time distribution as distinct features of different blinking types. We also emphasized that detection capability was crucial for correctly elucidating the blinking mechanism.

Role of Solid-State Miscibility during Anion Exchange in Cesium Lead Halide Nanocrystals Probed by Single-Particle Fluorescence

In this Letter, we used fluorescence microscopy to image the reversible transformation of individual CsPbCl₃ nanocrystals to CsPbBr₃, which enables us to quantify heterogeneity in reactivity among hundreds of nanocrystals prepared within the same batch. We observed a wide distribution of waiting times for individual nanocrystals to react as has been seen previously for cation exchange and ion intercalation. However, a significant difference for this reaction is that the switching times for changes in fluorescence intensity are dependent on the concentration of substitutional halide ions in solution (i.e., Br^- or Cl^-). On the basis of the high solid-state miscibility between CsPbCl₃ and CsPbBr₃, we develop a model in which the activation energy for anion exchange depends on the density of exchanged ions in the nanocrystal. The heterogeneity in reaction kinetics observed among individual nanocrystals limits the compositional uniformity that can be achieved in luminescent CsPbCl_3-xBr_x nanocrystals prepared by anion exchange.

A relationship between the surface composition and spectroscopic properties of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals: focusing on photoluminescence efficiency

We have previously developed CsPbBr3 NCs exhibiting a tremendously high photoluminescence (PL) and structural stability by adding ZnBr2. However, understanding of these outstanding properties is lacking due to the absence of spectroscopic analyses, such as spectral or dynamical characteristics. In this work, we conducted a comparative analysis of photophysical properties for conventional-CsPbBr3 NCs and ZnBr2-CsPbBr3 NCs. First, we analyzed the blinking traces by comparing the single crystal PL intermittency. It has been found that the PL quantum yield of CsPbBr3 NCs is gradually decreasing at the ensemble level, resulting from a significant activation of the Auger-induced blinking. Furthermore, the time-resolved TA dynamics supports the fact that Auger-type energy transfer accelerates the hot carrier cooling time, and thereby the Auger-induced blinking behavior in the band-edge state becomes dominant over time. Here, ZnBr2-CsPbBr3 NCs showed a low multiexciton Auger amplitude and therefore had a stable PL emission compared with conventional-CsPbBr3 NCs. Finally, we suggest that both NCs differ in intraband spacing possibly due to capping ligands, finally leading to a suppressed Auger process and higher stability for ZnBr2-CsPbBr3 NCs.

In Situ Observation of Emission Behavior during Anion-Exchange Reaction of a Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal at the Single-Nanocrystal Level

Postsynthesis anion-exchange reaction of cesium lead halide (CsPbX₃; X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) has emerged as a unique strategy to control band gap. Recently, the partially anion-exchanged CsPb(Br/I)₃ NC was reported to form an inhomogeneously alloyed heterostructure, which could possibly form some emission sites depending on the halide composition in the single NC. In this work, we observed the in situ emission behavior of single CsPb(Br/I)₃ NCs during the anion-exchange reaction. Photon-correlation measurements of the single NCs revealed that the mixed halide CsPb(Br/I)₃ NC exhibited single-photon emission. Even when irradiated with an intense excitation laser, the single NC exhibited single-photon emission with a photoluminescence spectrum of a single peak. These results suggested that the heterohalide compositions of the CsPb(Br/I)₃ NC do not form any emission sites with different band gap energies; instead, the NC forms emission sites with uniform band gap energy as a whole NC via quantum confinement.

Mechanistic Investigation of the Defect Activity Contributing to the Photoluminescence Blinking of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

Exploration of the full potential of the perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) for different applications requires a thorough understanding of the pathways of recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers and associated dynamics. In this work, we have tracked the recombination routes of the charge carriers by probing photoluminescence (PL) intermittency of the immobilized and freely diffusing single CsPbBr₃ NCs employing a time-tagged-time-resolved method. The immobilized single CsPbBr₃ NCs show a complex PL time-trace, a careful analysis of which reveals that nonradiative band-edge recombination through trap states, trion recombination, and trapping of the hot carriers contribute to the blinking behavior of any given NC. A drastically suppressed PL blinking observed for the NCs treated with a tetrafluoroborate salt indicates elimination of most of the undesired recombination processes. A fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) study on the freely diffusing single NCs shows that enhanced PL and suppressed blinking of the treated particles are the outcome of an increase in per-particle brightness, not due to any increase in the number of particles undergoing "off"-"on" transition in the observation volume. The mechanistic details obtained from this study on the origin of blinking in CsPbBr₃ NCs provide deep insight into the radiative and nonradiative charge carrier recombination pathways in these important materials, and this knowledge is expected to be useful for better design and development of bright photoluminescent samples of this class for optoelectronic applications.

Delayed Photoluminescence and Modified Blinking Statistics in Alumina-Encapsulated Zero-Dimensional Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals

We demonstrate enhancement of the photoluminescence (PL) properties of individual zero-dimensional (0D) Cs₄PbBr₆ perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) upon encapsulation by alumina using an appropriately modified atomic layer deposition method. In addition to the increased PL intensity and improved long-term stability of encapsulated PNCs, our single-particle studies reveal substantial changes in the PL blinking statistics and the persistent appearance of the long-lived, "delayed" PL components. The blinking patterns exhibit a modification from the fast switching between fluorescent ON and OFF states found in bare PNCs to a behavior with longer ON states and more isolated OFF states in alumina-encapsulated PNCs. Controlled exposure of 0D nanocrystals to moisture suggests that the observed PL lifetime changes may be related to water-induced "reservoir" states that allow for longer-lived charge storage with subsequent back-feeding into the emissive states. Viable encapsulation of PNCs with metal oxides that can preserve and even enhance their PL properties can be utilized in the fabrication of extended structures on their basis for optoelectronic and photonic applications.

Quantum-confined stark effect in the ensemble of phase-pure CdSe/CdS quantum dots

Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have recently attracted great attention in electric field sensing via the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE), but they suffer from the random local electric field around the charged QDs through the Auger process or defect traps. Here, QCSE in the ensemble of phase-pure wurtzite CdSe/CdS QDs was studied by applying a uniform external electric field. We observed clear field-dependent photoluminescence (PL) and absorption characteristics in thick-shell CdSe/CdS QDs with 11 CdS monolayers (11 MLs) including a pronounced spectral redshift in PL of ∼2.3 nm and absorption of ∼2.1 nm. The time-dependent PL intensity traces implied that the thick-shell QDs were conducive to realize the Stark shift in QD ensembles due to the effective suppression of the main sources of the local field. These findings were in stark contrast to those of moderate-shell (5 MLs) and ultrathick-shell (15 MLs) CdSe/CdS QDs. The measurement value of exciton polarizability was smaller than the theoretical value, which may be influenced by very few exciton traps. Moreover, the amplified stimulated emission also exhibited obvious optical modulations under the electric field with decreased emission intensity and an increased ultrafast lifetime. Finally, the temporal evolution of the multiexciton process in thick-shell CdSe/CdS QDs indicated that the multiexciton state induced a higher energy state near the band edge, which may weaken the QCSE of a single exciton. Therefore, it was demonstrated that efficient field control over the optical properties of these nanomaterials is feasible and this can open up potential applications in field-controlled electro-optic modulators.

Ultrafast carrier dynamics of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals and perovskite-composites

Perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), especially those based on cesium lead halides, have emerged in recent years as highly promising materials for efficient solar cells and photonic applications. The key to realization of full potential of these materials lies however in the molecular level understanding of the processes triggered by light. Herein we highlight the knowledge gained from photophysical investigations on these NCs of various sizes and compositions employing primarily the femtosecond pump-probe technique. We show how spectral and temporal characterization of the photo-induced transients provide insight into the mechanism and dynamics of relaxation of hot and thermalized charge carriers through their recombination and trapping. We discuss how the multiple excitons including the charged ones (trions), generated using high pump fluence or photon energy, recombine through the Auger-assisted process. We discussed the harvesting of hot carriers prior to their cooling and band-edge carriers from these perovskite NCs to wide band-gap metal oxides, metal chalcogenide NCs and molecular acceptors. How perovskites can influence the charge carrier dynamics in composites of organic and inorganic semiconductors is also discussed.