Organic spacers improve LED performance
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) release energy in the form of light when electrons and "holes" (electron vacancies) recombine in response to an applied voltage. Over the past few years, scientists have turned their attention toward LEDs based on hybrid organic (carbon-containing) and inorganic materials with the same crystal structure as the mineral perovskite. Unlike the organic LEDs found in some consumer electronics including television and cell phone screens, perovskite-based LEDs are made from inexpensive earth-abundant materials such as lead, halogens like iodide or bromide, and positively charged organic ions. Moreover, perovskites can be prepared in solution at room temperature, unlike the high temperatures and vacuum conditions required by materials in inorganic LEDs.