Enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield of MAPbBr₃ nanocrystals by passivation using graphene

Diminishing surface defect states in perovskite nanocrystals is a highly challenging subject for enhancing optoelectronic device performance. We synthesized organic/inorganic lead-halide perovskite MAPbBr₃ (MA = methylammonium) clusters comprising nanocrystals with diameters ranging between 20 and 30 nm and characterized an enhanced photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (as much as ~ 7 times) by encapsulating the MAPbBr₃ with graphene (Gr). The optical properties of MAPbBr₃ and Gr/MAPbBr₃ were investigated by temperature-dependent micro-PL and time-resolved PL measurements. Density functional theory calculations show that the surface defect states in MAPbBr₃ are removed and the optical band gap is reduced by a 0.15 eV by encapsulation with graphene due to partial restoration of lattice distortions.