posted on 2024-03-05, 20:10authored byLili Liu, Kyle Kluherz, Biao Jin, Daniel R. Gamelin, James J. De Yoreo, Maria L. Sushko
Cesium lead halide nanostructures have highly tunable
optical and
optoelectronic properties. Establishing precise control in forming
perovskite single-crystal nanostructures is key to unlocking the full
potential of these materials. However, studying the growth kinetics
of colloidal cesium lead halides is challenging due to their sensitivity
to light, electron beam, and environmental factors like humidity.
In this study, in situ observations of CsPbBr3–particle
dynamics were made possible through extremely low dose liquid cell
transmission electron microscopy, showing that oriented attachment
is the dominant pathway for the growth of single-crystal CsPbBr3 architectures from primary nanocubes. In addition, oriented
assembly and fusion of ligand-stabilized cubic CsPbBr3 nanocrystals
are promoted by electron beam irradiation or introduction of polar
additives that both induce partial desorption of the original ligands
and polarize the nanocube surfaces. These findings advance our understanding
of cesium lead halide growth mechanisms, aiding the controlled synthesis
of other perovskite nanostructures.