A solution processed top emission OLED with transparent carbon nanotube electrodes

Top emission organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as top electrodes were fabricated and characterized. Devices were fabricated on glass substrates with evaporated bottom Al/LiF cathodes, a spin coated organic emissive layer and a PEDOT-PSS hole injection layer. Transparent thin CNT films were deposited on top of the emission layer to form the anode by micro-contact printing with a polydimethylsiloxane stamp. A very good device performance was obtained, with a peak luminance of 3588 cd m(-2) and a maximum current efficiency of 1.24 cd A(-1). This work shows the possibility of using CNTs as transparent electrodes to replace ITO in organic semiconductor devices. Furthermore, the top emission nature of such devices offers a broader range of applications of CNTs on any type of substrate. By combining with solution processed organic materials, it is anticipated that lower cost fabrication will be possible through roll-to-roll manufacture.