Switching on near-infrared light in lanthanide-doped CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals

The accessible emission spectral range of lead halide perovskite (LHP) CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanocrystals (NCs) has remained so far limited to wavelengths below 1 mu m, corresponding to the emission line of Yb3+, whereas the direct sensitization of other near-infrared (NIR) emitting lanthanide ions is unviable. Herein, we present a general strategy to enable intense NIR emission from Er3+ at similar to 1.5 mu m, Ho3+ at similar to 1.0 mu m and Nd3+ at similar to 1.06 mu m through a Mn2+-mediated energy-transfer pathway. Steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence studies show that energy-transfer efficiencies of about 39%, 35% and 70% from Mn2+ to Er3+, Ho3+ and Nd3+ are obtained, leading to photoluminescence quantum yields of similar to 0.8%, similar to 0.7% and similar to 3%, respectively. This work provides guidance on constructing energy-transfer pathways in semiconductors and opens new perspectives for the development of lanthanide-functionalized LHPs as promising materials for optoelectronic devices operating in the NIR region.

Automated summary

A general strategy was proposed to enable intense near-infrared emission from Er3+, Ho3+, and Nd3+ lanthanide ions through a Mn2+-mediated energy-transfer pathway, with energy-transfer efficiencies and photoluminescence quantum yields obtained. This work provides guidance on constructing energy-transfer pathways in semiconductors and opens new perspectives for lanthanide-functionalized lead halide perovskites in optoelectronic devices operating in the NIR region.