Approaches to Solution-Processed Multilayer Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Cross-Linking

The fabrication of multilayer organic light-emitting diodes through solution processing presents challenges, especially regarding dissolution of the first layer during deposition of a second layer. One possible approach to this problem is to insolubilize the first layer using cross-linking. Cross-linking has also been used to control the morphological stability and aggregation phenomena of the active organic materials. In this short review, we discuss the alternative chemically, thermally, and photo-chemically promoted cross-linking chemistries that have been examined in the context of organic light-emitting diodes including: the hydrolysis of silicon compounds to form siloxanes; the polymerization of styrene, acrylate, and oxetane groups; and the dimerization of trifluorovinyl ethers, benzocyclobutenes, and cinnamates.