Luminescent materials with multi-emission features are difficult to be replicated, which are highly desirable for advanced anti-counterfeiting. Here, we report the pioneering synthesis of Mn 2+ /Yb 3+ /Er 3+ tri-doped Cs 2 Ag 0.8 Na 0.2 InCl 6 double perovskites (MYE-DP), which exhibit photoluminescence (PL) covering from visible to near-infrared (NIR). The PL colors under excitations of 254 and 365 nm are notably different due to the changed relative emission intensities of self-trapped excitons (STEs) and Mn 2+ d–d transition. Moreover, under the excitation of a NIR laser, the MYE-DP exhibits upconversion (UC) emissions of Mn 2+ and Er 3+ . After ceasing the excitation, the long-lived trapped electrons can be thermally released to Mn 2+ and Er 3+ ions, resulting in both visible and NIR afterglow. Based on multi-modal emissions of the MYE-DP, we demonstrate a five-level anti-counterfeiting strategy, which significantly increases the anti-counterfeiting security. In addition, this work provides valuable insights into the energy transfer between STEs, Mn 2+ , Ln 3+ , and traps, laying a solid foundation for future development of new lead-free perovskites.
Conventional solid-to-solid conversion-type cathodes in batteries suffer from poor diffusion/reaction kinetics, large volume changes and aggressive structural degradation, particularly for rechargeable aluminium batteries (RABs). Here we report a class of high-capacity redox couples featuring a solution-to-solid conversion chemistry with well-manipulated solubility as cathodes—uniquely allowed by using molten salt electrolytes—that enable fast-charging and long-lived RABs. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate a highly reversible redox couple—the highly soluble InCl and the sparingly soluble InCl 3 —that exhibits a high capacity of about 327 mAh g −1 with negligible cell overpotential of only 35 mV at 1 C rate and 150 °C. The cells show almost no capacity fade over 500 cycles at a 20 C charging rate and can sustain 100 mAh g −1 at 50 C. The fast oxidation kinetics of the solution phase upon initiating the charge enables the cell with ultrafast charging capability, whereas the structure self-healing via re-forming the solution phase at the end of discharge endows the long-term cycling stability. This solution-to-solid mechanism will unlock more multivalent battery cathodes that are attractive in cost but plagued by poor reaction kinetics and short cycle life.