Transparent low-work-function indium tin oxide electrode obtained by molecular scale interface engineering

A redox reaction between a monolayer of electron-donor molecules, tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene, and the indium tin oxide (ITO) surface results in a decrease of the ITO work function down to 3.7 eV. The modified ITO surface may be used as electron injecting electrode in polymer light-emitting devices. Photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that the low-work-function of the modified electrode remains upon exposure to air or gentle annealing; thus, making it a good candidate for inexpensive fabrication of organic/polymeric (opto)electronic devices. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.