Flexible Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Device for Emerging Multifunctional and Smart Applications

Quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), owing to their exceptional performances in device efficiency, color purity/tunability in the visible region and solution-processing ability on various substrates, become a potential candidate for flexible and ultrathin electroluminescent (EL) lighting and display. Moreover, beyond the lighting and display, flexible QLEDs are enabled with endless possibilities in the era of the internet of things and artificial intelligence by acting as input/output ports in wearable integrated systems. Challenges remain in the development of flexible QLEDs with the goals for high performance, excellent flexibility/even stretchability, and emerging applications. In this paper, the recent developments of QLEDs including quantum dot materials, working mechanism, flexible/stretchable strategies and patterning strategies, and highlight its emerging multifunctional integrations and smart applications covering wearable optical medical devices, pressure-sensing EL devices, and neural smart EL devices, are reviewed. The remaining challenges are also summarized and an outlook on the future development of flexible QLEDs made. The review is expected to offer a systematic understanding and valuable inspiration for flexible QLEDs to simultaneously satisfy optoelectronic and flexible properties for emerging applications.

Automated summary

Quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) show excellent performances in efficiency, color purity/tunability, and solution-processing ability, making them a potential candidate for flexible and ultrathin EL lighting and display. They also have potential applications in the internet of things and artificial intelligence. This review summarizes recent developments, challenges, and future outlook of flexible QLEDs, including quantum dot materials, working mechanism, flexible/stretchable strategies, and smart applications such as medical devices and neural sensors. It aims to provide a systematic understanding and inspiration for the development of flexible QLEDs in emerging applications.