CONTROL · Controlling the synthesis and surface chemistry of perovskite quantum dots for the next-generation of quantum emitters

Lead halide perovskite quantum dots (peQDs), with their sub-10 nm sizes, excitonic absorption, fast radiative recombination, and coherent single photon emission, are on track to fulfill the increasing demand for smaller, more efficient, and more complex optoelectronic and quantum devices. However, the ionic chemistry of these tiny emitters is fast and difficult to control, which limits their tunability, stability, processability, efficiency, and therefore their integration into future quantum devices.The aim of CONTROL is to create the first generation of tunable core-shell peQDs with fully tunable ligand shells, advancing their optical properties and surface chemistry far beyond what is currently possible. This will be achieved by obtaining a fundamental understanding of the intricate and fast chemistry, and use this knowledge to rationally redesign the synthesis of. To do so, CONTROL will develop new in situ tools, including a robotic synthesis platform with in situ spectroscopy capabilities and isothermal titration calorimetry customized to the ionic chemistry of peQDs. The mechanistic and thermodynamic insight gained with these new tools will allow us to rationally redesign the interface and surface chemistry of pQDs, take control of their epitaxial growth ontop of non-perovskite semiconductors, and control their surface chemistry. We will develop tunable core-shell peQDs, including quantum shells and infra-red emitters, with fully functional ligand shells, including conductive and polar surfaces for efficient integration into QD devices. This will open new pathways for the processability, tunability, stability and functionality of peQDs.Thus, CONTROL will not only deliver fundamental insight into the synthesis and ligands of peQDs but also make crucial, significant advancements in tuning their optical properties and surface chemistry, preparing them for integration into the next generation of efficient, stable, and tunable classic and quantum light sources.