Controlled Growth of Perovskite Nanocrystals on Nanotubes via a Nanoseeding Intermediate Stage: Toward Novel Optoelectronic Applications

CsPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals (CNCs) were densely anchored on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) via a nanoseeding intermediate stage, in which lead-based nuclei are formed on the nanotube surface. After the formation of the intermediate, a cesium precursor was added to promote the growth of CNCs from the surface nuclei and to thereby obtain CNC-decorated MWNT nanohybrids (CMNHs). The morphology and properties of the CMNHs were determined by the reaction temperature employed during their synthesis. Importantly, the use of MWNTs promoted the formation of larger CNCs that emitted intense green light and modified the electronic structure and bandgap energy of the CNCs. Consequently, the CMNHs could function as optoelectronic transducers and exhibit a "turn-on" photocurrent response when exposed to UV light of narrow specific-range wavelengths. In a novel approach for preventing counterfeit products, the CMNHs were used as a light-emitting black ink to create quick-response codes with fake pixels.