Investigating perovskite nanocrystal stability though polymer encapsulation: a nano-array method†

Abstract

Perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) offer exceptional optical properties but suffer from limited stability. Encapsulation with polymer materials is a promising approach to enhance their stability. However, traditional characterization techniques often fall short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the protection mechanism. We developed a high-throughput characterization platform based on nanoparticle arrays to investigate the protective effects of different polymers on CsPbBr₃ NCs. Using this platform, we found that polystyrene (PS) films, even at relatively thin thicknesses, significantly outperform thicker poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films in preserving NC photoluminescence. This suggests that the intrinsic properties of the polymer, beyond its thickness, play a crucial role in protecting NCs. Our findings provide valuable insights into the design and selection of effective polymer encapsulation materials for perovskite NCs.