The synthesis of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals: surface and interface engineering

Abstract

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a new class of colloidal semiconductor nanomaterials due to their fascinating optoelectronic properties and potential applications. However, the intrinsic lattice defects and phase instability are still dilemmas that limit their further applications. This paper provides an updated review of the synthesis strategy of MHPs based on surface engineering, including encapsulation, passivation, and repair. This surface engineering approach could protect MHPs from degradation in the external environment, stabilize the crystal structure and reduce surface defects of perovskites. With these treatments, the MHPs present improved optical and photoactive phase stability. However, traditional colloidal perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are synthesized through a single reaction phase, leading to tedious purification and ionization processes. We intend to comprehensively study how surface engineering affects the optical properties of NCs. Furthermore, we provide new insights into the interface engineering of perovskite nanocrystals which could inspire potential future directions for preparing MHP NCs in multiphase colloidal solutions of this domain.