Direct optical patterning of perovskite nanocrystals with ligand cross-linkers

Precise microscale patterning is a prerequisite to incorporate the emerging colloidal metal halide perovskite nanocrystals into advanced, integrated optoelectronic platforms for widespread technological applications. Current patterning methods suffer from some combination of limitations in patterning quality, versatility, and compatibility with the workflows of device fabrication. This work introduces the direct optical patterning of perovskite nanocrystals with ligand cross-linkers or DOPPLCER. The underlying, nonspecific cross-linking chemistry involved in DOPPLCER supports high-resolution, multicolored patterning of a broad scope of perovskite nanocrystals with their native ligands. Patterned nanocrystal films show photoluminescence (after postpatterning surface treatment), electroluminescence, and photoconductivity on par with those of conventional nonpatterned films. Prototype, pixelated light-emitting diodes show peak external quantum efficiency of 6.8% and luminance over 20,000 cd m(-2). Both are among the highest for patterned perovskite nanocrystal devices. These results create new possibilities in the system-level integration of perovskite nanomaterials and advance their applications in various optoelectronic and photonic platforms.

Automated summary

This study introduces a new method for direct optical patterning of single-crystal materials. The patterned perovskite films show comparable performance to non-patterned films. The prototype devices demonstrate high external quantum efficiency and brightness, opening up new possibilities for the application of perovskite nanomaterials in optoelectronic and photonic platforms.