High-performance green emitting Mn2+-doped 0D OIHMH crystals for white LEDs and anti-counterfeiting applications†

The exploration of novel phosphors with excellent properties is of great significance for both fundamental research and practical applications in optoelectronic devices. In this study, we report the synthesis of a new 0 dimensional (0D) organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide (OIHMH), C₆H₁₄N₂ZnCl₄, doped with Mn²⁺ ions, which exhibits bright green emission centered at 535 nm, originating from the d–d transition of tetrahedrally coordinated Mn²⁺ ions. The sample exhibits a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 70% at a doping concentration of 40% and demonstrates good thermal stability, with luminescence intensity restored after a heating–cooling cycle. The as-prepared Mn²⁺-doped C₆H₁₄N₂ZnCl₄ crystals were further utilized to fabricate white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs), which demonstrated good performance with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6003 K and a color rendering index (CRI) of 79. Additionally, the doped crystals showing bright green emission were explored for anti-counterfeiting applications, and they show promising potential in security marking. This work highlights the potential of Mn²⁺-doped OIHHPCs as high-performance phosphors for optoelectronic applications and security purposes.