npj Flexible Electronics 2018-04-05

Flexible quantum dot light-emitting diodes for next-generation displays

Moon Kee Choi, Jiwoong Yang, Taeghwan Hyeon, Dae-Hyeong Kim

Index: 10.1038/s41528-018-0023-3

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Abstract

In the future electronics, all device components will be connected wirelessly to displays that serve as information input and/or output ports. There is a growing demand of flexible and wearable displays, therefore, for information input/output of the next-generation consumer electronics. Among many kinds of light-emitting devices for these next-generation displays, quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) exhibit unique advantages, such as wide color gamut, high color purity, high brightness with low turn-on voltage, and ultrathin form factor. Here, we review the recent progress on flexible QLEDs for the next-generation displays. First, the recent technological advances in device structure engineering, quantum-dot synthesis, and high-resolution full-color patterning are summarized. Then, the various device applications based on cutting-edge quantum dot technologies are described, including flexible white QLEDs, wearable QLEDs, and flexible transparent QLEDs. Finally, we showcase the integration of flexible QLEDs with wearable sensors, micro-controllers, and wireless communication units for the next-generation wearable electronics.