Large-Scale Production of Ligand-Engineered Robust Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals by a Droplet-Based Microreactor System

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (CLHP NCs) have a wide range of potential applications benefited from the properties of high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), wide luminous gamut, and narrow half peak width. However, due to the ionic nature and sensitivity to moisture, oxygen, or heat, perovskite nanocrystals are too fragile to maintain their crystal structure and optical properties. This work proposes solutions to two key issues in the development of CLHP NCs. First, a productive droplet-based microreactor system is designed to accomplish the scale-up production of CLHP NCs, obtaining sub-gram high-purity nanocrystal powders in a single production process. Second, CLHP NCs which are stable in polar solvents, air environment, and high temperature by using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) as basic ligand are obtained. Wrapped with Si–O–Si generated by APTES, the CLHP NCs exhibit a longer fluorescence lifetime and higher quantum yield. Especially, the PLQY of CsPbBr₃@APTES can be stable at higher than 90% for more than 10 days. The Si–O–Si protective layer can also suppress the anion exchange between CsPbBr₃ and CsPbI₃, maintaining the monochromaticity of nanocrystal luminescence. Eventually, full-spectrum quantum light-emitting diode (QLED) beads with robust nanocrystals are fabricated. The gamut of CsPbX₃@APTES encompasses 140% of the NTSC color gamut standard.