Lighting technology has evolved dramatically over the years, from incandescent and fluorescent lamps to the widespread adoption of LEDs, which now dominate the market due to their efficiency and long lifespan. However, researchers are continuously exploring advanced lighting solutions, including OLEDs, QLEDs, and Micro/Mini-LEDs, to further enhance colour quality, energy efficiency, and durability.

Among these, perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) have emerged as a promising next-generation technology, combining the advantages of OLEDs and QLEDs. However, their commercial viability has been hindered by sensitivity to heat and moisture and colour instability due to anion migration—a process in which halide ions (chloride, bromide, or iodide) shift between quantum dots, disrupting colour consistency.

To tackle this challenge, researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel approach to minimize anion migration in CsPbX? perovskite nanocrystals.

Led by Dr. Pralay K. Santra, the team synthesized green light-emitting cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr?) perovskite nanocrystals using a hot injection method, where oleylamine serves as a passivating ligand. To enhance stability, they applied an argon-oxygen (Ar-O?) plasma treatment, which immobilizes surface ligands by forming a cross-linked, hydrophobic layer. This technique effectively stabilizes the ligands and slows anion exchange, dramatically improving colour stability by several orders of magnitude.

This research, published in the journal Nanoscale, provides critical insights into stabilizing perovskite nanocrystals, paving the way for high-performance, long-lasting optoelectronic devices. With enhanced thermal and moisture resistance, PeLEDs could become a mainstream solution in the future of energy-efficient lighting and display technologies.

By overcoming the core limitations of PeLEDs, this development marks a significant step forward in the advancement of next-generation lighting solutions, reinforcing India’s role as a key player in cutting-edge nanoscience and optoelectronics research.