02.11.2020 •

Implementation of Flexible Embedded Nanowire Electrodes in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes

Abstract

The implementation of silver nanowires (NWs) as flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) in solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) still faces two major challenges: the high roughness of NW films and heat sensitivity of the most commonly used transparent substrate poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). A solution‐based, roll‐to‐roll, and sheet‐to‐sheet scalable process to create indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free FTEs is reported. This FTE is realized by spraying NWs on PET, without the necessity of postdeposition heat treatment. To overcome the roughness limitation, NW films are reverse transfer embedded on another PET substrate. As a result, the FTE shows a low roughness, as well as high mechanical, thermal, organic‐solvent, and plasma stability. This developed FTE shows comparable transmittance with ITO but lower sheet resistance and higher mechanical stability. The FTE is implemented in a solution‐processed OLED with PDY‐132 (Super Yellow) as the emissive layer. In contrast to many other works in this field, a ZnO‐nanoparticle electron‐injection layer is used on the NWs instead of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) or other organic hole injectors. The use of ZnO nanoparticles instead of organic layers yields many advantages in terms of process and device stability. The resulting devices show greater flexibility, conductivity, and luminance than PET/ITO reference devices, while having the same power efficacy.

Full article (Open Access):

Phys. Status Solidi RRL

Source: Preview Image: Scanrail1/Shutterstock

Related articles

In Situ Derived Mixed Ion/Electron Conducting Layer on Top of a Functional Separator for High-Performance, Dendrite-Free Rechargeable Lithium-Metal Batteries
  Access
  now
Article Digest

In Situ Derived Mixed Ion/Electron Conducting Layer on Top of a Functional Separator for High-Performance, Dendrite-Free Rechargeable Lithium-Metal Batteries

Rechargeable lithium-metal batteries (RLBs) face cycling and safety challenges due to reactive Li and uncontrolled dendrite growth. This study introduces an Mg3N2-decorated separator for Li-metal surfaces to enhance anode electrochemistry. This scalable approach promises high-energy RLBs with extended cycles and improved safety, offering new battery manufacturing possibilities.
Channel-Length Independent Electrical Characteristics of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Article Digest

Channel-Length Independent Electrical Characteristics of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors

The quality and dimensions of the fabricated devices were assessed through an MX61 optical microscope from Olympus.
Phase Separation-Controlled Assembly of Hierarchically Porous Aramid Nanofiber Films for High-speed Lithium-Metal Batteries
  Access
  now
Article Digest

Phase Separation-Controlled Assembly of Hierarchically Porous Aramid Nanofiber Films for High-speed Lithium-Metal Batteries

This study shows that hierarchically porous aramid nanofiber separators effectively inhibit lithium dendrite growth, ensuring stable high-rate cycle performances, and addressing Li-metal battery lifespan and safety.
Flexible Micropillar Electrode Arrays for In Vivo Neural Activity Recordings
Article Digest

Flexible Micropillar Electrode Arrays for In Vivo Neural Activity Recordings

Flexible electronics that can form tight interfaces with neural tissues hold great promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and advancing brain/machine interfaces. Here, the facile fabrication of a novel flexible micropillar electrode array (μPEA) is described based on a biotemplate method.
Flexible Thin-Film Electronics
Article Digest

Flexible Thin-Film Electronics

Fast-forward and electronics are ubiquitous throughout our lives. Most electronic devices are composed of rigid circuit boards containing electronic components (e.g., transistors, resistors, and capacitors), and printed metallic interconnects. Now, flexible electronics are currently being developed for next-generation devices.
Spray-Coated Polymer Solar Cells Based on Low-Band-Gap Donors Processed with ortho-Xylene
Article Digest

Spray-Coated Polymer Solar Cells Based on Low-Band-Gap Donors Processed with ortho-Xylene

A low-band-gap material blend was dissolved in the non-chlorinated solvent ortho-xylene for both spin-coating and spray-coating of active layers for polymer solar cells. The results open the way to the use of spray-coating to scale up the deposition of active layers.