1,2-Ethanedithiol Treatment for AgIn₅S₈/ZnS Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes with High Brightness

The surface organic ligands of the quantum dots (QDs) play important roles in the performance of QD electronic devices. Here, we fabricated low toxic AgIn₅S₈/ZnS QDs light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs) and greatly enhanced the device efficiency through surface ligand exchange treatments. The oleic acid-capped QDs were replaced with a shorter ligand 1,2-ethanedithiol, which was proved by the Fourier transform infrared spectrum measurement. The treated QD films became more compact with higher film mobility and shorter film photoluminescence lifetime. The more conductive QD films fabricated LEDs showed an external quantum efficiency over 1.52%.