Meter-Scale Ultra-Large-Area Flexible Electroluminescent Devices Enabled by Aerosol Spraying

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Flexible alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) devices are crucial for advanced illumination and display technologies.
• Current fabrication methods face challenges in achieving high brightness, stability, and large luminescent areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop meter-scale flexible ACEL devices with enhanced brightness and stability.
• To address limitations in fabricating large-area, high-performance ACEL devices.

Main Methods:

• A simple aerosol spraying technique was employed using a modified luminescent ink.
• Long-chain molecular groups were introduced to improve particle dispersibility and film uniformity.
• Surfactant modification of ZnS:Cu luminescent particles provided steric hindrance in an oily solvent.

Main Results:

• Significantly improved particle dispersibility and sprayed film uniformity were achieved.
• Fabricated planar thin-film ACEL devices exhibited excellent flexibility and substrate compatibility.
• Exceptional operational stability was demonstrated in high-temperature, humid, and water-rich environments.
• A maximum brightness of nearly 500 cd·m^-2 was achieved in small devices, and 303.3 cd·m^-2 in a 1.2 m × 1.2 m device.

Conclusions:

• The aerosol spraying method with modified luminescent ink enables the fabrication of meter-scale flexible ACEL devices.
• These devices offer high brightness, excellent stability, and flexibility, suitable for demanding environments.
• Potential applications include large-area lighting, displays, and navigation signs for autonomous systems like drones.