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Fabrication of White Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells with Stable Emission from Exciplexes
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Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Finding High-Performance Electrodes for Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Jin Xu1,2,3, Andreas Sandström1,4, E Mattias Lindh1
1The Organic Photonics and Electronics Group, Department of Physics , Umeå University , SE-90187 Umeå , Sweden.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 11, 2018
Summary
Electrode choice significantly impacts light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) performance. Electrochemical stability and balanced injection barriers are crucial for efficient LEC operation and material selection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) offer efficient charge injection from air-stable electrodes.
- LEC operation is often assumed to be independent of electrode material choice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of electrode selection on LEC performance.
- To identify suitable air-stable electrode materials for LECs.
- To establish guidelines for designing efficient electrodes for LECs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic investigation of 13 different anode and cathode materials in a Super Yellow conjugated polymer LEC.
- Evaluation of electrode functionality and electrochemical stability.
- Analysis of injection barrier heights and their effect on performance.
Main Results:
- Identified specific materials functioning as cathodes (Ca, Mn, Ag, Al, Cu, ITO, Au) and anodes (ITO, Ni).
- Demonstrated that anode electrochemical oxidation severely hinders LEC function.
- Showed that balanced injection barriers mitigate electrode-induced quenching.
Conclusions:
- Electrode selection critically affects LEC performance, contrary to prior assumptions.
- Electrochemical stability of electrodes, particularly anodes, is paramount for functional LECs.
- Balancing injection barriers is a key strategy for optimizing LEC efficiency and designing future electrode materials.
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