Fluorescent dynamics of CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals in polar solvents: a potential sensor for polarity

During synthesis, device processes, and applications of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), there are usually inevitable interactions between perovskite NCs and polar solvents. To elaborately control the properties of perovskite NCs, investigating the effects of solvent polarity on perovskite NCs is thus highly important. Herein, fluorescent variations induced by different solvents into CsPbBr₃ NCs solution are systematically studied. In this report, it is found that when CsPbBr₃ NCs are treated with polar solvents, the fluorescence intensity decreases with a general redshift of fluorescence peak position. Moreover, the fluorescence quenching and peak position shift amplitude monotonously increase with the solvent polarity. Absorption spectra and fluorescent lifetime suggest that, with addition of polar solvents, the surface of NCs are destroyed and defect states are generated, leading to the fluorescent variations. Besides, dielectric constant of the solvent also increases with polarity, which may weaken the quantum confinement effect and decrease the exciton binding energy. We find the fluorescence may slightly blue shift if the emission of free carrier is strong enough with certain solvents, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). We also find the fluorescence intensity generally deceases to a stable state in 2 min, indicating quick interactions between CsPbBr₃ NCs and solvents. However, water continuously quenches the fluorescence of CsPbBr₃ NCs up to 72 h due to the poor miscibility between water and n-hexane. This work not only provides a comprehensive understanding on the fluorescent dynamics of CsPbBr₃ NCs in polar solvents but also affords a potential fluorescent indicator for solvent polarity.