Enhanced luminance of MEH-PPV based PLEDs using single walled carbon nanotube composite as an electron transporting layer

Abstract

An efficient electron transporting layer (ETL) based on single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites has been developed for poly [2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) based orange polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) and its effect on the performance of PLEDs has been examined. It is observed that with increase in SWCNT concentration, in ETL, the luminance and luminous efficiency of the PLEDs increase (about 5 times increase in luminance is observed at 5% w/w SWCNT concentration). The SWCNTs present in the MEH-PPV ETL boost the mobility of electrons injected from the cathode towards the emissive layer by establishing highly conducting percolation paths. This balances the concentration of holes and electrons in the emissive layer, which leads to enhanced emission from the PLEDs.