Plasma processing of some inorganic nanomaterials has shown the way to bright, stable and affordable light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be the source of the lighting of the future. Cost-effective and bright light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are commonly desired for general light sources, but achieving the required stability and brightness has been a challenge for scientists looking for new materials that are stable and produce bright emissions and can be commercially viable.
Scientists at the Center for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have found that a simple plasma treatment of inorganic cesium lead halide nanocrystal material can lead to many times improved stabilization. showing the promise of bright and stable LEDs.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Pralayem K. Santrou found a mechanism for increasing the stability of inorganic perovskite nanocrystals induced by plasma treatment, which could increase their emission. Plasma treatment induces cross-linking of organic molecules, oleylamine, present on the surface of the nanocrystals. This creates a stronger ligand network, providing better encapsulation and higher PL intensity.
They also introduced a new anti-counterfeiting application that uses a plasma treatment method to produce hidden two-layer security labels. The results of this work were recently published in the journal “ACS Applied Nano Materials”. The team has also filed a provisional Indian patent for their discovery and is actively seeking partners to commercialize the technique.
