Solvent-Controlled Densification and Ligand Redistribution in CsPbBr 3 Nanocrystal Thin Films Revealed by Quantitative XPS and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

ACS Applied Nano Materials 2026

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Authors: Ulrich Leo, Connor Heimig, Pablo Vezzoni Vicente, Maximilian A. Gruber, Moritz Heinemann, Nina A. Henke, Andreas Singldinger, Francesco Allegretti, Johannes V. Barth, Alexander S. Urban
DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.6c01064
Cited by: 1
References: 25

Abstract

Understanding and controlling nanocrystal film formation is essential for achieving uniform and electronically well-defined perovskite thin films for optoelectronic device applications. Here, we quantitatively examine how solvent volatility affects densification, porosity, and ligand redistribution in spin-coated CsPbBr 3 nanocrystal films. Using time-resolved spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we track the evolution of perovskite cores, ligands, and solvents during drying. Octane-cast films densify gradually, showing ∼25% thickness reduction and increased refractive index, while hexane-cast films retain porosity due to rapid evaporation. XPS reveals preferential oleylamine retention, a ligand-rich surface, and accumulation of PbBr 2 and carbon species at the outermost interface.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Perovskite Materials and Applications Inorganic Chemistry and Materials Luminescence Properties of Advanced Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Applied Nano Materials
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
9
Issue
27
Pages
12734–12740
Publication date
30 June 2026
Language
EN