Understanding the ligand-assisted reprecipitation of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals via high-throughput robotic synthesis approach

Inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have shown promise in optoelectronic applications. A simpler method of synthesizing high-quality PNCs is the ligand-assisted reprecipitation (LARP) method, but it is susceptible to instability. This study used a high-throughput automated experimental platform to explore the growth behaviors and colloidal stability of LARP-synthesized PNCs. The influence of ligands on particle growth and functionalities was systematically explored using two distinctive acid-base pairs. The study found that short-chain ligands cannot make functional PNCs with the desired sizes and shapes, whereas long-chain ligands provide homogeneous and stable PNCs. The study also found that excessive amines or polar antisolvents can cause PNCs to transform into a Cs-rich non-perovskite structure with poorer emission functionalities and larger size distributions. The diffusion of ligands in a reaction system is crucial in determining the structures and functionalities of the PNCs. This study provides detailed guidance on synthesis routes for desired PNCs.