Engineering Charge Injection Interfaces in Hybrid Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) consists of a thin film of an ionic organic semiconductor sandwiched between two electrodes. Because of the large density of ions, LECs are often reported to perform independently on the electrodes work function. Here we use metal oxides as charge injection layers and demonstrate that, although electroluminescence is observed independently of the electrodes used, the device performances are strongly dependent on the choice of the interface materials. Relying on metal oxide charge injection layers, such hybrid devices are of interest for real lighting applications and could pave the way for new efficient, stable, low-cost lighting sources.