CTAB passivates and stabilizes Cu-doped CsPb(Br/I)3 quantum dots for applications in white-LEDs

Mixed halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) show great promise for optoelectronic applications due to their superior optoelectronic properties. However, the poor stability and high toxicity of Pb-based perovskites have hindered the widespread use of CsPb(Br/I)3 PQDs in optoelectronic devices. In this study, we successfully synthesized stable, pure red CTAB-PQDs:Cu with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) by incorporating Cu2 + and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during the fabrication process. The doping of Cu2+ causes the lattice contraction of PQDs and reduces the toxicity of PQDs to some extent. Moreover, CTAB played a crucial role in decreasing surface defects and enhancing PQD stability in challenging conditions such as high temperature, water, and light exposure. Owing to the exceptional properties of CTAB-PQDs:Cu, we have developed high-efficiency white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) by employing these PQDs as a color-conversion layer. The resulting pure white luminescence exhibited a color coordinate of (0.323, 0.334), correlated color temperature of 6000 K, and color gamut of 127 %. Our findings offer a valuable alternative material for applications in solid-state lighting and displays. [Display omitted] •First report of the pure red CTAB-PQDs:Cu for high performance optoelectronic devices.•Cu-doped CsPb(Br/I)3 PQDs were synthesized, reducing the content of toxic Pb in the PQDs.•CTAB passivated the surfaces of the Cu-doped PQDs, reducing defects and enhancing their stability.•Potential applications of CTAB-PQDs:Cu in optoelectronic devices, particularly white LEDs, featuring exceptional brightness.