Bioengineered Protein Stabilized Perovskite Nanoplates in Polar Solvents

TL;DR

Researchers developed a protein-coated perovskite nanoplate that remains stable in polar solvents, opening new possibilities for photocatalytic applications.

Contribution

A bioengineered protein layer is introduced to stabilize perovskite nanoparticles in polar environments while maintaining their optoelectronic properties.

Findings

SP1 protein capping preserves perovskite functionality in polar solvents.

Nanoplate stability is enhanced by organic solvent compatibility and surface functional groups.

Design rules for protein-stabilized perovskites are established for biocatalytic systems.

Abstract

Colloidally stabilized halide perovskite nanoparticles
are promising
for photocatalysis due to high absorption cross-section, high photoluminescence
quantum yield, and nanoscale dimensions comparable to molecular reactants.
Yet, their ionic lattice limits stability in polar media, complicating
integration into aqueous catalytic systems. Here, we utilize stable
protein 1 (SP1) as a bioinspired capping layer to protect perovskite
nanoparticles from polar degradation while preserving their optoelectronic
functionality, which stems from SP1’s amphiphilic nature, featuring
a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior. Using bioengineered
SP1 and its monomeric derivatives, we synthesize perovskite nanoplates
with tunable quantum confinement that remain stable in an isopropanol
polar environment. Protein screening reveals that stability in organic
solvents, combined with suitable surface amine and carboxylate distributions,
is crucial for nanoplate formation and stability, resulting in hybrids
with superior spectroscopic stability in polar media. These findings
provide design rules for protein-stabilized perovskites, paving the
way for future solution-phase biocatalytic systems.

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