Fully Solution-Based Fabrication of Flexible Light-Emitting Device at Ambient Conditions

Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have long been perceived as a low-temperature, low-cost technology that can be fabricated through solution-based processes. However, how to achieve all-solution-processed OLEDs has been a challenge. Here, we report the fabrication of fully solution processed polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells (PLECs) as an alternative emissive device by spin-coating, rod-coating, and/or blade-coating at ambient conditions. The all-solution-based device, which can be fabricated under ambient air and in large-size, exhibits good flexibility and uniform light emission. The entire fabrication process of the PLEC, include the formation of electrodes, emissive polymer layer, and substrate, are carried out by solution processing under ambient conditions. Moreover, it is notable that employing a solution-processed and transparent SWCNT/AgNW bilayer composite electrode as anode, this fully solution processed PLEC shows even higher device performance than the conventional control devices fabricated on indium tin oxide anode coated on glass and using evaporated aluminum as cathode.