Recrystallization of CsPbBr3 Nanoparticles in Fluoropolymer Nonwoven Mats for Down- and Up-Conversion of Light

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2021 Feb 5;11(2):412. doi: 10.3390/nano11020412.

Abstract

Inorganic halides perovskite CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I or mixed halide systems Cl/Br and Br/I) nanoparticles are efficient light-conversion objects that have attracted significant attention due to their broadband tunability over the entire visible spectral range of 410-700 nm and high quantum yield of up to 95%. Here, we demonstrate a new method of recrystallization of CsPbBr3 nanoparticles inside the electrospun fluoropolymer fibers. We have synthesized nonwoven tetrafluoroethylene mats embedding CsPbBr3 nanoparticles using inexpensive commercial precursors and syringe electrospinning equipment. The fabricated nonwoven mat samples demonstrated both down-conversion of UV light to 506 nm and up-conversion of IR femtosecond laser radiation to 513 nm green photoluminescence characterized by narrow emission line-widths of 35 nm. Nanoparticle formation inside nonwoven fibers was confirmed by TEM imaging and water stability tests controlled by fluorimetry measurements. The combination of enhanced optical properties of CsPbBr3 nanoparticles and mechanical stability and environmental robustness of highly deformable nonwoven fluoropolymer mats is appealing for flexible optoelectronic applications, while the industry-friendly fabrication method is attractive for commercial implementations.

Keywords: electrospun polymers; halides perovskites; nanoparticles; photoluminescence; upconversion.