Efficient Tandem Quantum-Dot LEDs Enabled by An Inorganic Semiconductor-Metal-Dielectric Interconnecting Layer Stack

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a tandem configuration offer a strategy to realize high-performance, multicolor devices. Until now, though, the efficiency of tandem colloidal quantum dot LEDs (QLEDs) has been limited due to unpassivated interfaces and solvent damage originating from the materials processing requirements of interconnecting layers (ICLs). Here an ICL is reported consisting of a semiconductor-metal-dielectric stack that provides facile fabrication, materials stability, and good optoelectronic coupling. It is investigated experimentally how the ICL enables charge balance, suppresses current leakage, and prevents solvent damage to the underlying layers. As a result record efficiencies are reported for double-junction tandem QLEDs, whose emission wavelengths cover from blue to red light; i.e., external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 40% (average 37+/-2%) for red, 49% (average 45+/-2%) for yellow, 50% (average 46+/-2%) for green, and 24% (average 21+/-2%) for blue are achieved.

Automated summary

A newly developed interconnecting layer in tandem QLEDs has lead to record efficiencies in light emission, preventing charge imbalance and solvent damage and achieving high levels of external quantum efficiency. This interconnecting layer covers emission wavelengths from blue to red light, allowing for high performance light emission.