Composition, Size, and Surface Functionalization dependent Optical Properties of Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals

The photoluminescence (PL), color purity, and stability of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals depend critically on the surface passivation. We present a study on the temperature dependent PL and PL decay dynamics of lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals characterized by different types of A cations, surface ligands, and nanocrystal sizes. Throughout, we observe a single emission peak from cryogenic to ambient temperature. The PL decay dynamics are dominated by the surface passivation, and a post-synthesis ligand exchange with a quaternary ammonium bromide (QAB) results in a more stable passivation over a larger temperature range. The PL intensity is highest from 50K-250K, which indicates that the ligand binding competes with the thermal energy at ambient temperature. Despite the favorable PL dynamics of nanocrystals passivated with QAB ligands (monoexponential PL decay over a large temperature range, increased PL intensity and stability), the surface passivation still needs improvement toward increased emission intensity in nanocrystal films.