Manipulating the Transition Dipole Moment of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Superior Optical Properties.

Colloidal cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals exhibit unique photophysical properties including high quantum yields, tunable emission colors, and narrow photoluminescence spectra that have marked them as promising light emitters for applications in diverse photonic devices. Randomly oriented transition dipole moments have limited the light outcoupling efficiency of all isotropic light sources, including perovskites. In this report we design and synthesize deep blue emitting, quantum confined, perovskite nanoplates and analyze their optical properties by combining angular emission measurements with back focal plane imaging and correlating the results with physical characterization. By reducing the dimensions of the nanocrystals and depositing them face down onto a substrate by spin coating, we orient the average transition dipole moment of films into the plane of the substrate and improve the emission properties for light emitting applications. We then exploit the sensitivity of the perovskite electronic transitions to the dielectric environment at the interface between the crystal and their surroundings to reduce the angle between the average transition dipole moment and the surface to only 14° and maximize potential light emission efficiency. This tunability of the electronic transition that governs light emission in perovskites is unique and, coupled with their excellent photophysical properties, introduces a valuable method to extend the efficiencies and applications of perovskite based photonic devices beyond those based on current materials.

Stable Luminous Nanocomposites of Confined Mn2+-Doped Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals in Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres as Orange Fluorophores.

Creating highly stable inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbX3, where X = Cl, Br, and I) with excellent optical performance is challenging because their optical properties depend on their ionic structure and its inherent defects. Here, we present a facile and effective synthesis using a nanoconfinement strategy to grow Mn2+-doped CsPbCl3 nanocrystals embedded in dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs). The resulting nanocomposite is abbreviated as Cs(Pb x/Mn1- x)Cl3@MSNs and can serve as the orange emitter for white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). The MSN matrix was prepared via a templated sol-gel technique as monodispersed center-radial dendritic porous particles, with a diamater of ∼105 nm and an inner pore size of ∼13 nm. The MSN was then utilized as the matrix to initiate the growth of Mn-doped perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). The NCs in the resulting composite have an average diameter of 8 nm and a photoluminescence quantum yield of >30%. In addition, the optical properties of the Cs(Pb x/Mn1- x)Cl3@MSNs can be tuned by varying the Mn2+ doping level. The resulting composites presented a significantly improved resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, temperature, and moisture compared to that of bare Cs(Pb0.72/Mn0.28)Cl3. Finally, we fabricated down-converting WLEDs by using Cs(Pb x/Mn1- x)Cl3@MSNs as the orange-emitting phosphor deposited onto UV-emitting chips, demonstrating their promising applications in solid-state lighting. This work provides a valuable approach to fabricating stable orange luminophores as replacements for traditional emitters in light-emitting diode devices.

Nanorod Suprastructures from a Ternary Graphene Oxide-Polymer-CsPbX3 Perovskite Nanocrystal Composite That Display High Environmental Stability.

Despite the exceptional optoelectronic characteristics of the emergent perovskite nanocrystals, the ionic nature greatly limits their stability, and thus restricts their potential applications. Here we have adapted a self-assembly strategy to access a rarely reported nanorod suprastructure that provide excellent encapsulation of perovskite nanocrystals by polymer-grafted graphene oxide layers. Polyacrylic acid-grafted graphene oxide (GO-g-PAA) was used as a surface ligand during the synthesis of the CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), yielding particles (5-12 nm) with tunable halide compositions that were homogeneously embedded in the GO-g-PAA matrix. The resulting NC-GO-g-PAA exhibits a higher photoluminescence quantum yield than previously reported encapsulated NCs while maintaining an easily tunable bandgap, allowing for emission spanning the visible spectrum. The NC-GO-g-PAA hybrid further self-assembles into well-defined nanorods upon solvent treatment. The resulting nanorod morphology imparts extraordinary chemical stability toward protic solvents such as methanol and water and much enhanced thermal stability. The introduction of barrier layers by embedding the perovskite NCs in the GO-g-PAA matrix, together with its unique assembly into nanorods, provides a novel strategy to afford robust perovskite emissive materials with environmental stability that may meet or exceed the requirement for optoelectronic applications.

Tunable Anisotropic Photon Emission from Self-Organized CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals.

We report controllable anisotropic light emission of photons originating from vertically aligned transition dipole moments in spun-cast films of CsPbBr3 nanocubes. By depositing films of nanocrystals on precoated substrates we can control the packing density and resultant radiation pattern of the emitted photons. We develop a technical framework to calculate the average orientation of light emitters, i.e., the angle between the transition dipole moment vector (TDM) and the substrate. This model is applicable to any emissive material with a known refractive index. Theoretical modeling indicates that oriented emission originates from an anisotropic alignment of the valence band and conduction band edge states on the ionic crystal lattice and demonstrates a general path to model the experimentally less accessible internal electric field of a nanosystem from the photoluminescent anisotropy. The uniquely accessible surface of the perovskite nanoparticles allows for perturbation of the normally isotropic emissive transition. The reported sensitive and tunable TDM orientation and control of emitted light will allow for applications of perovskite nanocrystals in a wide range of photonic technologies inaccessible to traditional light emitters.

Understanding and predicting the orientation of heteroleptic phosphors in organic light-emitting materials.

Controlling the alignment of the emitting molecules used as dopants in organic light-emitting diodes is an effective strategy to improve the outcoupling efficiency of these devices. To explore the mechanism behind the orientation of dopants in films of organic host materials, we synthesized a coumarin-based ligand that was cyclometalated onto an iridium core to form three phosphorescent heteroleptic molecules, (bppo)2Ir(acac), (bppo)2Ir(ppy) and (ppy)2Ir(bppo) (bppo represents benzopyranopyridinone, ppy represents 2-phenylpyridinate, and acac represents acetylacetonate). Each emitter was doped into a 4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1'-biphenyl host layer, and the resultant orientation of their transition dipole moment vectors was measured by angle-dependent p-polarized photoluminescent emission spectroscopy. In solid films, (bppo)2Ir(acac) is found to have a largely horizontal transition dipole vector orientation relative to the substrate, whereas (ppy)2Ir(bppo) and (bppo)2Ir(ppy) are isotropic. We propose that the inherent asymmetry at the surface of the growing film promotes dopant alignment in these otherwise amorphous films. Modelling the net orientation of the transition dipole moments of these materials yields general design rules for further improving horizontal orientation.

The influence of nearest-neighbour interactions and assembly dynamics on the transport properties of porphyrin supramolecular assemblies on Au(111).

Here we report on the effect of local molecular organization or "tertiary structure" on the charge transport properties of thiol-tethered tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPPF4-SC5SH) nanoscale clusters of ca. 5 nm in lateral dimension embedded within a dodecanethiol (C12) monolayer on Au(111). The structure of the clusters in the mixed monolayers and their resulting transport properties were monitored by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Spectroscopy (STS). The mixed films were deposited on Au(111) for a period of one to five days, during which the lateral dimensions of the ZnTPPF4-SC5SH islands that were formed after one day reduced by nearly 35% on average by five days, accompanied by a noticeable depletion of the surrounding C12 monolayer. These subtle changes in mixed monolayer morphology were accompanied by drastic differences in conductance. The ZnTPPF4-SC5SH clusters assembled for one day exhibited highly reproducible I-V spectra with simple tunneling behavior. By three days, this evolved into bias-induced switching of conductance, with a ∼100-1000 fold increase. Furthermore, current fluctuations started to become significant, and then dominated transport across the ZnTPPF4-SC5SH clusters assembled over five days. Our data suggests that this evolution can be understood by slow surface diffusion, enabling the ZnTPPF4-SC5SH molecules to overcome initial steric hindrance in the early stages of island formation in the C12 monolayer (at day one), to reach a more energetically-favored, close-packed organization, as noted by the decrease in island size (by day three). However, when desorption of the supporting matrix of C12 became pronounced (by day five), the ZnTPPF4-SC5SH clusters began to lose stabilization, and stochastic switching was then observed to dominate transport in the clusters, illustrating the critical nature of the local organization on these transport properties.

A Yellow-Emitting Homoleptic Iridium(III) Complex Constructed from a Multifunctional Spiro Ligand for Highly Efficient Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

To suppress concentration quenching and to improve charge-carrier injection/transport in the emission layer (EML) of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs), a facial homoleptic iridium(III) complex emitter with amorphous characteristics was designed and prepared in one step from a multifunctional spiro ligand containing spiro[fluorene-9,9'-xanthene] (SFX) unit. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of the resulting fac-Ir(SFXpy)3 complex revealed an enlarged Ir···Ir distance and negligible intermolecular π-π interactions between the spiro ligands. The emitter exhibits yellow emission and almost equal energy levels compared to the commercial phosphor iridium(III) bis(4-phenylthieno[3,2-c]pyridinato-N,C2')acetylacetonate (PO-01). Dry-processed devices using a common host, 4,4'-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1'-biphenyl, and the fac-Ir(SFXpy)3 emitter at a doping concentration of 15 wt % exhibited a peak performance of 46.2 cd A-1, 36.3 lm W-1, and 12.1% for the current efficiency (CE), power efficiency (PE), and external quantum efficiency (EQE), respectively. Compared to control devices using PO-01 as the dopant, the fac-Ir(SFXpy)3-based devices remained superior in the doping range between 8 and 15 wt %. The current densities went up with increasing doping concentration at the same driving voltage, while the roll-offs remain relatively low even at high doping levels. The superior performance of the new emitter-based devices was ascribed to key roles of the spiro ligand for suppressing aggregation and assisting charge-carrier injection/transport. Benefiting from the amorphous stability of the emitter, the wet-processed device also exhibited respectful CE, PE, and EQE of 32.2 cd A-1, 22.1 lm W-1, and 11.3%, respectively, while the EQE roll-off was as low as 1.7% at the luminance of 1000 cd m-2. The three-dimensional geometry and binary-conjugation features render SFX the ideal multifunctional module for suppressing concentration quenching, facilitating charge-carrier injection/transport, and improving the amorphous stability of iridium(III)-based phosphorescent emitters.

Self-organization of Zr(IV) porphyrinoids on graphene oxide surfaces by axial metal coordination.

The protruding oxophilic central metal ion of Zr(IV) porphyrinoids facilitates axial coordination to the oxygen bearing functional groups on graphene oxide (GO) surfaces to result in new supramolecular photonic materials with high dye loading especially on edges and large defects. The reaction proceeds at room temperature with GO dispersed in tetrahydrofuran and GO films on glass. Since the Zr(IV) serves as a conduit, the photophysical properties of the dye sensitized GO derive from both the axially bound chromophores and the GO substrate. Self-organization of metalloporphyrinoids on GO mediated by axial coordination of group (IV) metal ions allows for direct sensitization of graphene and graphenic materials without requiring covalent chemistries with poorly conducting linkers.

Porphyrins as Molecular Electronic Components of Functional Devices.

The proposal that molecules can perform electronic functions in devices such as diodes, rectifiers, wires, capacitors, or serve as functional materials for electronic or magnetic memory, has stimulated intense research across physics, chemistry, and engineering for over 35 years. Because biology uses porphyrins and metalloporphyrins as catalysts, small molecule transporters, electrical conduits, and energy transducers in photosynthesis, porphyrins are an obvious class of molecules to investigate for molecular electronic functions. Of the numerous kinds of molecules under investigation for molecular electronics applications, porphyrins and their related macrocycles are of particular interest because they are robust and their electronic properties can be tuned by chelation of a metal ion and substitution on the macrocycle. The other porphyrinoids have equally variable and adjustable photophysical properties, thus photonic applications are potentiated. At least in the near term, realistic architectures for molecular electronics will require self-organization or nanoprinting on surfaces. This review concentrates on self-organized porphyrinoids as components of working electronic devices on electronically active substrates with particular emphasis on the effect of surface, molecular design, molecular orientation and matrix on the detailed electronic properties of single molecules.

Long-Range Exciton Diffusion in Two-Dimensional Assemblies of Cesium Lead Bromide Perovskite Nanocrystals.

Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET)-mediated exciton diffusion through artificial nanoscale building block assemblies could be used as an optoelectronic design element to transport energy. However, so far, nanocrystal (NC) systems supported only diffusion lengths of 30 nm, which are too small to be useful in devices. Here, we demonstrate a FRET-mediated exciton diffusion length of 200 nm with 0.5 cm2/s diffusivity through an ordered, two-dimensional assembly of cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbBr3 PNCs). Exciton diffusion was directly measured via steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) microscopy, with physical modeling providing deeper insight into the transport process. This exceptionally efficient exciton transport is facilitated by PNCs' high PL quantum yield, large absorption cross section, and high polarizability, together with minimal energetic and geometric disorder of the assembly. This FRET-mediated exciton diffusion length matches perovskites' optical absorption depth, thus enabling the design of device architectures with improved performances and providing insight into the high conversion efficiencies of PNC-based optoelectronic devices.

Low-dimensional perovskite nanoplatelet synthesis using in situ photophysical monitoring to establish controlled growth.

Perovskite nanoparticles have attracted the attention of research groups around the world for their impressive photophysical properties, facile synthesis and versatile surface chemistry. Here, we report a synthetic route that takes advantage of a suite of soluble precursors to generate CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoplatelets with fine control over size, thickness and optical properties. We demonstrate near unit cell precision, creating well characterized materials with sharp, narrow emission lines at 430, 460 and 490 nm corresponding to nanoplatelets that are 2, 4, and 6 unit cells thick, respectively. Nanoplatelets were characterized with optical spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to explicitly correlate growth conditions, thickness and resulting photophysical properties. Detailed in situ photoluminescence spectroscopic studies were carried out to understand and optimize particle growth by correlating light emission with nanoplatelet growth across a range of synthetic conditions. It was found that nanoplatelet thickness and emission wavelength increase as the ratio of oleic acid to oleyl amine or the reaction temperature is increased. Using this information, we control the lateral size, width and corresponding emission wavelength of the desired nanoplatelets by modulating the temperature and ratios of the ligand.

Templated self-assembly of one-dimensional CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystal superlattices.

Ordered self-assembled arrays or superstructures of nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted intense research interest due to their ability to translate valuable nanoscale properties to larger length scales. Numerous techniques have been explored to induce self-assembly into various superstructures. Here we investigated a simple kinetic approach to form self-assembled one-dimensional perovskite CsPbX3 (X: halides) nanocrystal arrays templated inside a pod shaped inert lead sulfate (PbSO4) scaffold. Both the solvent effects, and the self-assembly process and mechanism, are systematically studied based on a uniform procedure developed to generate CsPbX3 nanocrystal superlattices with different sizes and compositions. The formation of one-dimensional (1D) chains of NCs within a half-cylindrical pod of PbSO4 reflects a balance between solvophobicity and solvophilicity of the components. By reducing the size of NCs, we successfully realized 2D superlattices with two or three rows of close-packed CsPbBr3 NCs, in addition to single string-of-pearl type 1D assemblies. The superlattices can be assembled both inside and outside of the half-cylindrical shells by regulating the reaction conditions. The self-assembly behavior is reminiscent of the host-guest systems of organic molecular species where supramolecular recognition rules apply to give well-defined complexes. The current study opens a door for controlling self-assembled nanostructures of CsPbX3 NCs, and provides an attainable platform for future optoelectronic devices.

Studies of the structure and phase transitions of nano-confined pentanedithiol and its application in directing hierarchical molecular assemblies on Au(1 1 1).

Directing molecular devices into pre-designed integrated electronic circuits while enforcing selectivity and hierarchy is an inherent challenge for molecular electronics. Here we explore ways to direct the assembly of electrically-active molecular monolayers into specific locations as well as controlling their internal organization. We have accomplished this by two consecutive surface reactions: (1) forming pentanedithiol (C5DT) domains within an inert alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on Au; and (2) selectively binding porphyrin derivatives to the C5DT domains. The C5DT domains were fabricated by phase segregation during co-adsorption from a mixed C5DT/dodecanethiol (C12) solution and nanografting with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM revealed that co-absorbed and nanografted C5DT domains were in a standing-up phase and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) showed that their molecular organization within about 5 nm, 40 nm, 50 nm and 120 nm domains, was dependent upon the size of the domain, such that structure of the C5DT transitions from (√3 × âˆš3) R30°, to (2 × 2), and ultimately to a disordered phase with increasing domain size. This is due to the varying degrees of influence of the surrounding C12; providing sufficient van der Waals interactions as well as a geometric confinement to stabilize the standing-up phase of the C5DT. Understanding the molecular configuration of dithiol SAMs affords their use as a reactive template to subsequently bind active head groups. As a proof of principle, porphyrins with a pendant pentafluorophenyl ring were attached to the C5DT domains by a 'click' reaction between the fluorinated ring and the free thiol on the surface. From AFM and STM, these porphyrin derivatives reacted selectively with the C5DT domains with some porphyrins binding directly to the C5DT, subsequently allowing additional localized porphyrin deposition through pi-stacking.

Controlling Morphology and Molecular Packing of Alkane Substituted Phthalocyanine Blend Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells.

Systematic changes in the exocyclic substiution of core phthalocyanine platform tune the absorption properties to yield commercially viable dyes that function as the primary light absorbers in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. Blends of these complementary phthalocyanines absorb a broader portion of the solar spectrum compared to a single dye, thereby increasing solar cell performance. We correlate grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering structural data with solar cell performance to elucidate the role of nanomorphology of active layers composed of blends of phthalocyanines and a fullerene derivative. A highly reproducible device architecture is used to assure accuracy and is relevant to films for solar windows in urban settings. We demonstrate that the number and structure of the exocyclic motifs dictate phase formation, hierarchical organization, and nanostructure, thus can be employed to tailor active layer morphology to enhance exciton dissociation and charge collection efficiencies in the photovoltaic devices. These studies reveal that disordered films make better solar cells, short alkanes increase the optical density of the active layer, and branched alkanes inhibit unproductive homogeneous molecular alignment.

Facile synthesis of a flexible tethered porphyrin dimer that preferentially complexes fullerene C70.

A simple, high yield, two-step synthesis yields a porphyrin dimer linked by a flexible dithiol tether that preferentially binds fullerene C(70) over C(60) in toluene solution. The complex forms stable aggregates when cast on glass.