Triplet Self-trapped Excitons Research Articles

Realizing Near-Unity Photoluminescence Efficiency in Antimony-Doped Indium-Based Halides Induced by Strong Electron-Phonon Coupling.

Exploring a zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid halide with a large Stokes shift and efficient broad-band emission is highly desirable due to its enormous potential for solid-state lighting (SSL) application. However, it is still challenging to develop a highly emissive 0D hybrid halide with low toxicity and remarkable stability. Herein, we developed a novel indium-based metal halide A5In2Cl16·4H2O (A = doubly protonated 1,4-diaminobutane) whose inorganic octahedrons are completely isolated by the organic cations to form the 0D structure. Experimental and theoretical studies confirmed that Sb-doped A5In2Cl16·4H2O exhibits broad yellow emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of up to 98%. The intense yellow emission can be attributed to the radiative recombination of triplet self-trapped excitons (STEs) in [SbCl6]3- octahedrons caused by the strong electron-phonon coupling. Benefiting from the excellent stability and photoluminescence performance, A5In2Cl16·4H2O:15%Sb was used as the yellow phosphor to prepare a white-light-emitting diode (WLED) device with a color rendering index of 87.8 and a luminous efficiency of up to 36.18 lm/W, demonstrating its potential in SSL applications. This work provides a guidance for developing environmentally friendly, efficient, and stable ultraviolet (UV)-excited broad-band emission materials.

Efficient tunable white emission and multiple reversible photoluminescence switching in organic Tin(IV) chlorides via regulating the host lattice environment of antimony ions for multifunctional applications

The host lattice environments of Sb3+ has a great influence on its photophysical properties. Here, we synthesized three zero-dimensional organic metal halides of (TPA)2SbCl5 (1), Sb3+-doped (TPA)SnCl5(H2O)·2H2O (Sb3+-2), and Sb3+-doped (TPA)2SnCl6 (Sb3+-3). Compared with the intense orange emission of 1, Sb3+-3 has smaller lattice distortion, thus effectively suppressing the exciton transformation from singlet to triplet self-trapped exciton (STE) states, which makes Sb3+-3 has stronger singlet STE emission and further bring a white emission with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) of 93.4%. Conversely, the non-emission can be observed in Sb3+-2 even though it has a similar [SbCl5]2- structure to 1, which should be due to its indirect bandgap characteristics and the effective non-radiative relaxation caused by H2O in the lattice. Interestingly, the non-emission of Sb3+-2 can convert into the bright emission of Sb3+-3 under TPACl DMF solution treatment. Meanwhile, the white emission under 315 nm excitation of Sb3+-3 can change into orange emission upon 365 nm irradiation, and the luminescence can be further quenched by the treatment of HCl. Therefore, a triple-mode reversible luminescence switch of off-onI-onII-off can be achieved. Finally, we demonstrated the applications of Sb3+-doped compounds in single-component white light illumination, latent fingerprint detection, fluorescent anti-counterfeiting, and information encryption.

Effect of Cu2+ doping on fluorescence of Cs2ZnCl4 powder prepared by solid-state synthesis

Recently Cu-doped all-inorganic zero-dimensional (0D) metal halides Cs2ZnX4 (X = Cl, Br) have attracted many researchers due to their excellent fluorescence (FL) performance and low toxicity compared to lead-based perovskites. Although these 0D metal halides nanocrystals or small-sized single crystals are prepared via solution methods in most of the reports, we used the solid-state synthesis method to get Cu-doped Cs2ZnCl4 powders and characterized their FL properties. The results and analysis indicate that Cu2+ can be doped in Cs2ZnCl4 up to 12 at.%, which enhances the FL of Cs2ZnCl4 powder. The photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) at 480 nm rises from 1.11 % (undoped) to 20.06 % (6 at.% Cu doping). A modified triplet self-trapped excitons mechanism is presented to explain the enhanced Cu−doped Cs2ZnCl4 powder.

Multiple Energy Transfer Channels in Rare Earth Doped Multi-Exciton Emissive Perovskites.

Revealing the energy transfer (ET) process from excitons to rare earth ions in halide perovskites has great guiding value for designing optoelectronic materials. Here, the multiple ET channels in multi-exciton emissive Sb3+ /Nd3+ co-doped Cs2 ZrCl6 are explored to comprehend the ET processes. Förster-Dexter ET theory reveals that the sensitizer concentration rather than the overlap integral of the spectra plays the leading function in the comparison of the ET efficiency among multiple ET channels from the host self-trapped excitons (STEs) and dopant triplet STEs to Nd3+ ions. Besides, Sb3+ /Nd3+ co-doped Cs2 ZrCl6 enables varied color delivery and has great potential as anti-counterfeiting material. Under X-ray irradiation, Sb3+ /Nd3+ co-doped Cs2 ZrCl6 presents a high light yield of ≈13300 photons MeV-1 and promising X-ray imaging ability. This work provides new insight for investigating the ET efficiency among multiple ET processes and presents great potentiality of multi-exciton emissive perovskites in the fields of anti-counterfeiting and X-ray imaging.

Zero-Dimensional Hybrid Antimony Chloride with Near-Unity Broad-Band Orange-Red Emission toward Solid-State Lighting.

Zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are attractive owing to their distinctive structure as well as photoluminescence (PL) characteristics. To discover 0D hybrid metal halides with high photoluminescence quantum yield and good stability is of great significance for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, a novel hybrid antimony chloride (CTP)2SbCl5 is synthesized, which shows a bright broad-band orange-red emission peaking at 620 nm under the low energy excitation (365 nm), achieving an excellent photoluminescence quantum yield of 96.8%. In addition, (CTP)2SbCl5 shows an additional emission peaking at 470 nm when excited at high energy (323 nm). PL spectra and density functional theory results demonstrate that the observed dual-band emission originates from the singlet and triplet self-trapped excitons confined in isolated [SbCl5]2- square pyramids. Moreover, (CTP)2SbCl5 presents relatively superior air stability, and the PL intensity still maintains 78% of the initial PL intensity when exposed to the air for above 2 weeks. Benefiting from high-efficiency PL emission and good stability of (CTP)2SbCl5, a stable warm white LED device with a 92.3% color rendering index was prepared by coating blue phosphor BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+, green (Sr,Ba)2SiO4:Eu2+, and orange-red (CTP)2SbCl5 on a 365 nm LED chip. This work provides an efficient luminescent material and also demonstrates the potential application of 0D hybrid antimony chloride in solid-state lighting.

Manipulating Lone-Pair-Driven Luminescence in 0D Tin Halides by Pressure-Tuned Stereochemical Activity from Static to Dynamic.

The excellent luminescence properties and structural dynamics driven by the stereoactivity of the lone pair in a variety of low-dimensional ns2 metal halides have attracted growing investigations for optoelectronic applications. However, the structural and photophysical aspects of the excited state associated with the lone pair expression are currently open questions. Herein, zero-dimensional Sn-based halides with static stereoactive 5 s2 lone pairs are selected as a model system to understand the correlations between the distinctive lone pair expression and the excited-state structural relaxation and charge carrier dynamics by continuous lattice manipulation. Lattice compression drives 5 s2 lone pair active switching and self-trapped exciton (STE) redistribution by suppressing excited-state structural deformation of the isolated SnBr4 2- units. Our results demonstrate that the static expression of the 5 s2 lone pair results in a red broadband triplet STE emission with a large Stokes shift, while its dynamic expression creates a sky-blue narrowband emission dominated by the radiative recombination of singlet STEs. Our findings and the photophysical mechanism proposed highlight the stereochemical effects of lone pair expression in controlling light emission properties and offer constructive guidelines for tuning the optoelectronic properties in diverse ns2 metal halides.

Manipulating Lone‐Pair‐Driven Luminescence in 0D Tin Halides by Pressure‐Tuned Stereochemical Activity from Static to Dynamic

AbstractThe excellent luminescence properties and structural dynamics driven by the stereoactivity of the lone pair in a variety of low‐dimensional ns2 metal halides have attracted growing investigations for optoelectronic applications. However, the structural and photophysical aspects of the excited state associated with the lone pair expression are currently open questions. Herein, zero‐dimensional Sn‐based halides with static stereoactive 5 s2 lone pairs are selected as a model system to understand the correlations between the distinctive lone pair expression and the excited‐state structural relaxation and charge carrier dynamics by continuous lattice manipulation. Lattice compression drives 5 s2 lone pair active switching and self‐trapped exciton (STE) redistribution by suppressing excited‐state structural deformation of the isolated SnBr42− units. Our results demonstrate that the static expression of the 5 s2 lone pair results in a red broadband triplet STE emission with a large Stokes shift, while its dynamic expression creates a sky‐blue narrowband emission dominated by the radiative recombination of singlet STEs. Our findings and the photophysical mechanism proposed highlight the stereochemical effects of lone pair expression in controlling light emission properties and offer constructive guidelines for tuning the optoelectronic properties in diverse ns2 metal halides.

Achieving Highly Efficient Warm-White Light Emission in All-Inorganic Copper-Silver Halides via Structural Regulation.

Single-component metal halides with white light emission are highly attractive for solid-state lighting applications, but it is still challenging to develop all-inorganic lead-free metal halides with high white-light emission efficiency. Herein, by rationally introducing silver (Ag) into zero-dimensional (0D) Cs3 Cu2 Br5 as new structural building unit, a one-dimensional (1D) bimetallic halide Cs6 Cu3 AgBr10 is designed that emits strong warm-white light with an impressive photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 94.5% and excellent stability. This structural transformation lowers the conduction band minimum while maintaining the localized nature of the valence band maximum, which is crucial in expanding the excitation spectrum and obtaining efficient self-trapped excitons (STEs) emission simultaneously. Detailed spectroscopy studies reveal that the white-light originates from triplet STEs emission, which can be remarkably improved by weakening the strong electron-phonon coupling and thus suppressing phonon-induced non-radiative processes. Moreover, the interesting temperature-dependent emission behavior, together with self-absorption-free property, make Cs6 Cu3 AgBr10 as sensitive luminescent thermometer and high-performance X-ray scintillator, respectively. These findings demonstrate a general approach to achieving effective single-component white-light emitters based on lead-free, all-inorganic metal halides, thereby opening up a new avenue to explore their versatile applications such as lighting, temperature detection and X-ray imaging.

Efficient Yellow Emission and Near-Unified Photoluminescence Quantum Yield of Sb3+ in a One-Dimensional Confinement Cadmium Chloride Lattice

Sb3+, with a 5s2 electron configuration, has been widely studied as a dopant for its efficient self-trapped exciton (STE) broadband emission. However, the efficient emission of Sb3+-doped one-dimensional (1D) structures and the energy/charge transfer between the host and dopant are rarely reported. In this paper, a series of Sb3+-doped 1D (TDMP)CdCl4 (TDMP = trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine) powder crystals were prepared by the solvothermal method. The 1D quantum confinement effect and Jahn–Teller distortion in this organic–inorganic hybrid with a soft lattice generate strong electron–phonon coupling. In addition, we also found a fast energy transfer process between the host ([CdCl6]2–) and the dopant ([SbCl6]3–). The synergy of strong electron–phonon coupling and fast energy transfer enables 8.8% Sb3+:(TDMP)CdCl4 to exhibit efficient broadband yellow emission under UV excitation with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 99.69%. DFT calculations indicate that the emission comes from the triplet self-trapped excitons (STEs) emission of the [SbCl6]3– octahedron. This work provides a deeper understanding of the emission of Sb3+ in doped systems and provides a strategy to guide the design of future efficient luminescent materials.

Effects of Cl/Br substitution of antimony octahedra on photoluminescence and a new engineering strategy for performance optimization

Organic-inorganic metal halides have garnered extensive attention due to their versatile structures as well as fascinating optical properties, among which especially antimony halides are the focus of recent research. Herein, we design a series of novel zero-dimensional (0D) antimony halides of (C13H14N3)3SbCl6–xBrx (x = 0, 3, 6) with bright and tunable broadband emissions from yellow (576 nm) to orange (600 nm), which are attributed to the triplet self-trapped excitons (STEs) of the six-coordinated [SbX6]3– (X = Cl− or Br−) units. The role of halogens on their specific 3P1→1S0 transition is determined, wherein Cl/Br transmutation reveals a common law modulating photoluminescence behaviors. Furthermore, a new two-step compound technology is innovatively developed for performance optimization, enabling by incorporating the pristine antimony halides into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with high transparency and strong moisture resistance. The composites (C13H14N3)3SbCl6–xBrx/PMMA (x = 0, 3, 6) were fabricated through a demanding technology that significantly improve the processability and water stability of antimony halides while maintaining high photoluminescence quantum yields. This work not only proposes a method for halogen substitutions to tune emission, but also opens up a feasible research avenue for performance optimization in the multifunctional luminescence materials.

Highly Efficient and Ultralong Afterglow Emission with Anti-Thermal Quenching from CsCdCl3 : Mn Perovskite Single Crystals.

Triplet exciton-based long-lived phosphorescence is severely limited by the thermal quenching at high temperature. Herein, we propose a novel strategy based on the energy transfer from triplet self-trapped excitons to Mn2+ dopants in solution-processed perovskite CsCdCl3 . It is found the Mn2+ doped hexagonal phase CsCdCl3 could simultaneously exhibit high emission efficiency (81.5 %) and long afterglow duration time (150 s). Besides, the afterglow emission exhibits anti-thermal quenching from 300 to 400 K. In-depth charge-carrier dynamics studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculation provide unambiguous evidence that carrier detrapping from trap states (mainly induced by Cl vacancy) to localized emission centers ([MnCl6 ]4- ) is responsible for the afterglow emission with anti-thermal quenching. Enlightened by the present results, we demonstrate the application of the developed materials for optical storage and logic operation applications.

Zero-dimensional rubidium zinc halide blue-emitting quantum dots for X-ray imaging

Low-dimensional-networked metal halide (MH) materials are emerged as a new class of semiconductors owing to their unique structure and outstanding photoelectric properties. Compared with the extensively studied three-dimensional (3D) MHs, the zero-dimensional (0D) MHs are of great interest to be widely studied. Here we report the successful colloidal synthesis of all-inorganic lead-free 0D MHs, including undoped and Cu-doped Rb2ZnCl4 quantum dots (QDs) with bright broad blue and cyan emissions, respectively. Combining the theoretical and experimental study, the band structures are well characterized and the originations of the blue and cyan emissions are attributed to the singlet and triplet self-trapped exciton (STE) emissions, respectively. Finally, owing to the bright radioluminescence (RL), the Cu-doped Rb2ZnCl4 QDs is prepared into a thin film to demonstrate the feasibility for X-ray imaging application. This work not only provides a cyan-emitting all-inorganic 0D MH QDs, but also exploits it as a scintillator for X-ray imaging.

(C16H28N)2SbCl5: A new lead-free zero-dimensional metal-halide hybrid with bright orange emission

Zero-dimensional (0D) metal halides are in a blossoming status for their fascinating optoelectronic properties. Herein, an antimony-based metal halide of (C16H28N)2SbCl5 (C16H28N+ = benzyltripropylammonium cations), where the isolated [SbCl5]2− clusters are surrounded by C16H28N+ to form a 0D square-pyramidal structure, was synthesized and investigated. The (C16H28N)2SbCl5 exhibited a broadband orange emission at 633 nm upon the low-energy irradiation (400 nm) with a near-unity photoluminescence quantum efficiency (97.8%). Interestingly, (C16H28N)2SbCl5 showed an additional emission peak at 477 nm upon the higher-energy irradiation (300 nm), which is attributed to the transformation of the doublet of spin-orbit couplings into two independent self-trapped excitons (STEs). Temperature-dependent Raman spectra clearly revealed the characteristics of multi-phonon coupling, demonstrating a strong anharmonic electron-phonon interaction in (C16H28N)2SbCl5. Temperature-dependent emission spectra and density functional theory results illustrated that the observed dual-band emission originated from singlet and triplet STEs in [SbCl5]2− units. Combined with the efficient emission and excellent stability of (C16H28N)2SbCl5, a stable white-light-emitting diode with an ultra-high color rendering index of 96.6 was fabricated.

Vacancy‐Ordered Double Perovskite Rb2ZrCl6−xBrx: Facile Synthesis and Insight into Efficient Intrinsic Self‐Trapped Emission

AbstractLead‐free vacancy‐ordered double perovskites with formula of A2M(IV)X6 have become promising alternatives to lead halide perovskites. Herein, novel direct bandgap lead‐free vacancy‐ordered double perovskites Rb2ZrCl6−xBrx (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) with highest photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 90% are synthesized by using a facile wet grinding approach. Experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrate that the bright emissions originate from the self‐trapped excitons (STEs). Additionally, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) is observed in these perovskites, confirmed by temperature‐dependent steady‐state PL spectra and time‐resolved PL spectra measurements. The competitive equilibrium relationship is demonstrated further between the singlet STEs and the triplet STEs of Rb2ZrCl6−xBrx interrelated to temperature. Meanwhile, satisfying the Vegard's law, the optical bandgap of Rb2ZrCl6−xBrx decreases linearly from 3.895 to 3.778 eV with x increasing. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations prove the highly localized electronic states generated in flat electronic bands of Rb2ZrCl6−xBrx, as evidence by the presence of self‐trapped state in [ZrCl6−xBrx]2− octahedra, and the energy level of the halogen 3p orbitals is the key factor that dictates their bandgaps.

Bright Triplet Self-Trapped Excitons to Dopant Energy Transfer in Halide Double-Perovskite Nanocrystals.

For inorganic semiconductor nanostructure, excitons in the triplet states are known as the "dark exciton" with poor emitting properties, because of the spin-forbidden transition. Herein, we report a design principle to boost triplet excitons photoluminescence (PL) in all-inorganic lead-free double-perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). Our experimental data reveal that singlet self-trapped excitons (STEs) experience fast intersystem crossing (80 ps) to triplet states. These triplet STEs give bright green color emission with unity PL quantum yield (PLQY). Furthermore, efficient energy transfer from triplet STEs to dopants (Mn2+) can be achieved, which leads to white-light emitting with 87% PLQY in both colloidal and solid thin film NCs. These findings illustrate a fundamental principle to design efficient white-light emitting inorganic phosphors, propelling the development of illumination-related applications.

Self-Trapped Exciton Emission in a Zero-Dimensional (TMA)2SbCl5·DMF Single Crystal and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Structural Stability.

Lead-free lower-dimensional organic-inorganic metal halide materials have recently triggered intense research because of their excellent photophysical properties and chemical stability. Herein, we report a novel zero-dimensional (0D) organic-inorganic hybrid single crystal (TMA)2SbCl5·DMF (TMA = N(CH3)3, DMF= HCON(CH3)2), which exhibits typical self-trapped exciton (STE) emission with an efficient yellow emission at 630 nm and high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 67.2%. The dual STE emission is attributed to the singlet and triplet STEs in inorganic [SbCl5]2-, respectively. Further, an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation was performed to estimate the stability of crystal structure at room temperature. The calculated excited-state structure indicates that the deformation parameter (Δd) of the excited-state structure is larger than that of the ground state, illustrating the origin of a large Stokes shift. These results indicate that these new 0D lead-free organic-inorganic hybrid metal halides are promising luminescent materials for optoelectronic applications.

Doped all-inorganic cesium zirconium halide perovskites with high-efficiency and tunable emission

Doping enables manipulation of both the electrical and optical properties of halide perovskites. Herein, we incorporated Te4+ into Cs2ZrCl6 single crystal, simultaneously preserving the vacancy-ordered structure, to obtain an efficient yellow-emitting perovskite with a near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY ≈ 97.6%). Te4+ doping modifies the hue and emission color of pristine Cs2ZrCl6, generates new absorption channels, and successfully extends the excitation energy from < 280 nm to 360–450 nm range. Detailed spectral characterizations, including ultrafast femtosecond transient absorption measurements, reveal that the bright yellow light is derived from triplet self-trapped excitons. Moreover, further tuning doping concentration enables Te-doped Cs2ZrCl6 single crystals to exhibit efficient warm white light emission. This work provides a new perspective for the development and design of stable lead-free perovskites with highly efficient luminescence.

Efficient Energy Transfer in Te4+-Doped Cs2ZrCl6 Vacancy-Ordered Perovskites and Ultrahigh Moisture Stability via A-Site Rb-Alloying Strategy.

As an effective method to improve the optical properties and stability of perovskite matrix, doped halide perovskites have attracted extensive attention in the field of optoelectronic applications. Herein, a series of all inorganic lead-free Te4+-doped Cs2ZrCl6 vacancy-ordered perovskites were successfully synthesized with different Te-doping concentrations by a solvothermal method, and deliberate Te4+-doping results in green-yellow triplet self-trapped exciton (STE) emission with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 49.0%. The efficient energy transfer was observed from singlet to triplet emission. Further, the effects of A-site Rb alloying on the optical properties and stability were investigated. We found that A-site Rb alloying and C-site cohalogenation did not change the luminescence properties of Te4+, but the addition of a small amount of Rb+ can improve the PL intensity and moisture stability. Our results provide physical insights into the nS2 Te4+-ion-doping-induced emissive mechanism and shed light on improving the environmental stability for further applications.

Boosting triplet self-trapped exciton emission in Te(IV)-doped Cs2SnCl6 perovskite variants

Perovskite variants have attracted wide interest because of the lead-free nature and strong self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. Divalent Sn(II) in CsSnX3 perovskites is easily oxidized to tetravalent Sn(IV), and the resulted Cs2SnCl6 vacancy-ordered perovskite variant exhibits poor photoluminescence property although it has a direct band gap. Controllable doping is an effective strategy to regulate the optical properties of Cs2SnX6. Herein, combining the first principles calculation and spectral analysis, we attempted to understand the luminescence mechanism of Te4+-doped Cs2SnCl6 lead-free perovskite variants. The chemical potential and defect formation energy are calculated to confirm theoretically the feasible substitutability of tetravalent Te4+ ions in Cs2SnCl6 lattices for the Sn-site. Through analysis of the absorption, emission/excitation, and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, the intense green-yellow emission in Te4+:Cs2SnCl6 was considered to originate from the triplet Te(IV) ion 3P1→1S0 STE recombination. Temperature-dependent PL spectra demonstrated the strong electron-phonon coupling that inducing an evident lattice distortion to produce STEs. We further calculated the electronic band structure and molecular orbital levels to reveal the underlying photophysical process. These results will shed light on the doping modulated luminescence properties in stable lead-free Cs2MX6 vacancy-ordered perovskite variants and be helpful to understand the optical properties and physical processes of doped perovskite variants.

Sb3+ Doping-Induced Triplet Self-Trapped Excitons Emission in Lead-Free Cs2SnCl6 Nanocrystals.

Doped halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have opened new opportunities for the emerging optical and optoelectronic applications. Here, we describe a hot-injection synthesis of all-inorganic lead-free Cs2SnCl6 and Sb3+ doped Cs2SnCl6 NCs. Cs2SnCl6 NCs present a blue emission peak at 438 nm, whereas a new broad-band emission peak appears at 615 nm for the Sb3+ doped NCs. Comparative structural and spectral characterizations of Sb3+ doped Cs2SnCl6 NCs with micrometer-sized undoped and Sb3+ doped crystals show that the formation of broad-band orange emission is originted from triplet self-trapped excitons, attributed to the 3Pn-1S0 transitions (n = 0, 1, 2). Our results in Sb3+ doped Cs2SnCl6 materials provide insights into the machanisms of doping-induced emission centers, and it extends the existing knowledge of optical properties of doped halide NCs for further studies.