Lead halide perovskites have shown much promise for high-performing solar cells due to their inherent electronic nature, and though the color of bright-light emitters based on perovskite nanoparticles can be tuned by halide mixing and/or size control, dynamic switching using external stimuli remains a challenge. This article reports an unprecedented lower critical solution temperature (LCST) for toluene solutions containing methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3 ), oleic acid, alkylamines, and dimethylformamide. The delicate interplay of these molecules and ions allows for the reversible formation and decomposition of MAPbBr3 nanoparticles upon heating and cooling, which is accompanied by green and blue photoemissions at each state. An intermediate 1D crystal with PbBr2 -amine coordination is found to play pivotal role in this, and a mechanistic insight is provided based on a three-state model. In addition to a high quantum yield (up to 85%), this system allows for control over the cloud point (30-80 °C) through compositional engineering and the luminescent color (blue to red) via halogen exchange, thus making it a versatile solution for developing functional molecular organic-inorganic LCST quantum dots.
Keywords: critical solution temperatures; nanoparticles; organic-inorganic perovskites; quantum dots; thermoresponsive.
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