Stabilized Lead-Free Copper-Based Perovskite Composite with Enhanced Peroxidase-Like Activity and Fluorescence:...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) offer excellent optical properties for sensing but lead toxicity is a concern.
• Lead-free alternatives like copper-based perovskites show promise but suffer from poor stability in polar solvents.
• Developing stable, non-toxic PQDs is crucial for sustainable sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the aqueous solubility and stability of copper-based perovskite nanocrystals (Cu:CsBr NCs).
• To investigate the potential of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) for encapsulating Cu:CsBr NCs.
• To evaluate the optical properties and peroxidase-like activity of the encapsulated composite for sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• One-step synthesis of copper-based perovskite nanocrystals encapsulated with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Cu:CsBr@HP-β-CD).
• Assessment of the composite's stability in aqueous dispersion and under sealed storage conditions.
• Characterization of fluorescence intensity retention and investigation of peroxidase-like activity.

Main Results:

• The Cu:CsBr@HP-β-CD composite exhibited remarkable stability, retaining 98.94% fluorescence after 6 hours in water.
• The composite maintained 99.70% of its initial fluorescence after 72 days of storage.
• Encapsulation significantly improved aqueous solubility and stability without compromising optical properties or peroxidase-like activity.

Conclusions:

• Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin encapsulation is an effective strategy to stabilize copper-based perovskite nanocrystals.
• The Cu:CsBr@HP-β-CD composite offers a stable, lead-free alternative for advanced sensing and catalysis.
• This approach paves the way for safer, high-performance nanomaterials in sustainable technologies.