Tough, stable and self-healing luminescent perovskite-polymer matrix applicable to all harsh aquatic environments

Gelatinous underwater invertebrates such as jellyfish have organs that are transparent, luminescent and self-healing, which allow the creatures to navigate, camouflage themselves and, indeed, survive in aquatic environments. Artificial luminescent materials that can mimic such functionality can be used to develop aquatic wearable/stretchable displays and water-resistant devices. Here, a luminescent composite that is simultaneously transparent, tough and can autonomously self-heal in both dry and wet conditions is reported. A tough, self-healable fluorine elastomer with dipole-dipole interactions is synthesized as the polymer matrix. It exhibits excellent compatibility with metal halide perovskite quantum dots. The composite possesses a toughness of 19 MJ m(-3), maximum strain of 1300% and capability to autonomously self-heal underwater. Notably, the material can withstand extremely harsh aqueous conditions, such as highly salty, acidic (pH = 1) and basic (pH = 13) environment for more than several months with almost no decay in mechanical performance or optical properties. Fabrication of perovskite-polymer composites that simultaneously possesses strong mechanical strength, high stretchability, high stability towards harsh aqueous environments and self-healing properties is challenging. Here, the authors report a luminescent composite that is simultaneously transparent, tough and can autonomously self-heal in both dry and wet conditions.

Automated summary

A luminescent composite that is simultaneously transparent, tough and can autonomously self-heal in both dry and wet conditions has been reported. This material has excellent mechanical performance and can withstand extreme aqueous environments, making it important for the development of underwater wearable devices and water-resistant equipment.