Inorganic lead-free cesium copper chlorine nanocrystal for highly efficient and stable warm white light-emitting diodes

Inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (NCs) attract extensive attention because of their excellent optoelectronic performance. However, the classic CsPbX3 NCs suffer from toxicity and instability, which impede their further applications in commercial fields. Here the inorganic lead-free cesium copper chlorine NCs are synthesized by a facile hot-injection method. The blue-emission 3D CsCu2Cl3 and green-emission OD Cs3Cu2Cl5 NCs are prepared at 70 degrees C and 120 degrees C, respectively, suggesting that the reaction temperature may account for the final components. Owing to the self-trapped exciton effect, the unique optical properties, such as high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, broadband emission, large Stokes shift, and long PL decay time, are demonstrated for both cesium copper chlorine NCs. Moreover, highly efficient and stable warm white light-emitting diodes are fabricated with CsCu2Cl3 and Cs3Cu2Cl5 NCs. The study highlights the promising potential for lead-free cesium copper chlorine nanocrystals in nontoxic solid-state lighting applications. (C) 2021 Chinese Laser Press