Indian Scientists Develop Innovative Method To Enhance Stability Of Perovskite Nanocrystals For Next-Gen Lighting

Indian scientists have developed an innovative method to minimise anion migration in perovskite nanocrystals, addressing key challenges such as sensitivity to heat and moisture, as well as colour instability.

Perovskite is a class of compounds which have the same type of crystal structure as CaTiO₃ – Calcium Titanate.

This breakthrough paves the way for efficient and durable optoelectronic devices, bringing perovskite-based LEDs (PeLEDs) closer to commercial viability.

Perovskite LEDs, which combine the advantages of OLEDs and QLEDs, have long been considered a promising technology for next-generation lighting.

However, their adoption has been hindered by stability issues, primarily due to anion migration, where halide ions (chloride, bromide, or iodide) shift between quantum dots in mixed layers, causing colour degradation over time.

To tackle this problem, researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Central government's Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a method to significantly improve the stability of CsPbX₃ perovskite nanocrystals.

"The team, led by Dr Pralay K. Santra, synthesized green light emitting cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) perovskite nanocrystals using a hot injection method, where oleylamine serves as the passivating ligand. To enhance stability, they applied argon-oxygen (Ar-O₂) plasma treatment, which immobilizes the surface ligands by creating a cross-linked, hydrophobic layer," the Ministry of Science said in a statement.

This approach effectively stabilises the ligands and slows anion exchange, significantly improving colour stability by several orders.

The study, published in the journal Nanoscale, provides valuable insights into stabilising perovskite nanocrystals, paving the way for efficient, durable optoelectronic devices.

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