Synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 Nanocrystals in a Continuous Flow System

Achieving the goal of generating all of the world’s energy via renewable sources and significantly reducing our energy usage will require the development of novel abundant, nontoxic energy conversion materials. Here, we develop a cost-efficient and scalable continuous flow synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals as a basis for the rapid advancement of novel nanomaterials. Ideal precursor solutions were obtained through a novel batch synthesis, whose product served as a benchmark for the subsequent flow synthesis. Realizing this setup enabled a reproducible fabrication of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals. We determined the effect of volumetric flow rate and temperature on the final product’s morphology and optical properties, obtaining 21% quantum yield with the optimal configuration. Consequently, we can tune the size and morphology of the nanocrystals with far more precision and in a much wider range than previously achievable. The flow setup is easily applicable to other relevant nanomaterials. It should enable a rapid determination of a material’s potential and subsequently optimize its desired properties for renewable energy generation or efficient optoelectronics.