Embedding lead halide perovskite quantum dots in carboxybenzene microcrystals improves stability

The stability of lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) was improved by embedding them in carboxybenzene microcrystals. The resulting needle-shaped mixed microcrystals preserved the strong photoluminescence of the PQDs. Compared with previously reported polystyrene-encapsulated PQDs, the carboxybenzene crystals were robust and protected the dots from moisture and photodegradation. The enhanced stability was attributed to the tight matrix of carboxybenzene microcrystals, which protected the PQDs from moisture. This versatile strategy protected various QDs, including all-inorganic PQDs and chalcogenide QDs (e.g., CdSe/ZnS QDs and CuInS/ZnS QDs). It provides a facile and versatile method of protecting PQDs and may enable applications in solid-state systems with high color quality requirements such as displays, lasers, and light emitting diodes.