In Situ Growth Mechanism of CsPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br, and I) Quantum Dots in an Amorphous Oxide Matrix

Oxide glass matrix embedding is an effective way to improve the stability of halide quantum dots (QDs). However, the in situ growth mechanism of halide perovskite QDs in an amorphous matrix has not been clarified. In this work, the growth process of halide QDs in an amorphous oxide matrix was successfully elucidated via in situ spectroscopy, analytical electron microscopy, and the X-ray scattering/diffraction technique. The results showed that the in situ growth mechanism of the halide QDs in the amorphous oxide matrix was different from that of traditional glass-ceramics, which was more like a halide nanoglass-based phase transition process. Typically, a complex multiphase (halide nanoglass, CsPb₂X₅, and CsPbX₃) transition existed in the amorphous oxide matrix, and the obtained CsPbX₃ QD glass showed a halide multiphase coexisting microstructure. More importantly, the crystallization process from the halide nanoglass to QDs can be induced by known ways, including mechanical force, hydration, and heat treatment. The clarified in situ growth mechanism may pave the way toward the development of high-efficiency halide perovskite QD-embedded amorphous materials and optoelectronic devices.