Mechanochemical synthesis of a processable halide perovskite quantum dot–MOF composite by post-synthetic metalation

Abstract

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are some of the most sought after materials for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. We report the mechanochemical, solvent-free synthesis of a PQD@MOF composite using a post-synthetically Pb^II metalated anionic MOF AMOF-1 {[(NH₂Me₂)₂][Zn₃(L)₂]·9H₂O} (L = 5,5′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(oxy)diisophthalate) as the template. CsPbX₃ PQDs are formed on the surface of AMOF-1 just by grinding Pb^II@AMOF-1 with CsX (X = Cl, Br and I). The PQD@AMOF composites are characterized using PXRD and TEM. The size of the PQDs thus formed is restricted by AMOF-1 thereby manifesting the quantum confinement effect. The composites show narrow and intense emission bands typical of PQDs. The luminescent AMOF is exploited for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to the stabilized CsPbBr₃ PQDs. AMOF-1 also imparts superior stability and processability to the PQDs which are manifested by fabricating a colour-tunable ink using the composite.