Preparation and fluorescence properties of SiO2-coated CsPb1−xZnxBr3 nanocrystals with enhanced efficiency and stability

• Zn2+ doping in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals reduces Pb toxicity and enhances PLQY to 86% via lattice contraction and surface passivation. • SiO2 coating via APTES further boosts PLQY to 96% and dramatically improves water and ethanol stability (43% vs 5% PL retention after 36h water immersion). • The optimized CsPb0.7Zn0.3Br3@SiO2 NCs enable WLEDs with CRI 78.2, CCT 5470 K, and luminous efficiency 54.2 lm/W. • The two-step synthesis and core-shell strategy offer a scalable route for stable, lead-reduced perovskite nanocrystals for display and lighting.