Multicolour stretchable perovskite electroluminescent devices for user-interactive displays

Abstract

Wearable displays require mechanical deformability to conform to the skin, as well as long-term stability, multicolour emission and sufficient brightness to enable practically useful applications. However, endowing a single device with all the features remains a challenge. Here we present a rational material design strategy and simple device-manufacturing process for skin-conformable perovskite-based alternating-current electroluminescent (PeACEL) devices. These devices exhibit a narrow emission bandwidth (full-width at half-maximum, <37 nm), continuously tuneable emission wavelength (468–694 nm), high stretchability (400%) and adequate luminance (>200 cd m−2). The approach leverages a new class of perovskite zinc sulfide (PeZS) phosphors, consisting of ZnS phosphors coated with perovskite nanoparticles for electrical excitation via total intraparticle energy transfer. This strategy results in pure red and green emissions and expands the colour gamut of powder-based ACEL devices by 250%. Moreover, our processing technique facilitates the integration of PeACEL displays with wearable electronics, enabling applications in dynamic interactive displays and visual real-time temperature monitoring. These PeACEL displays offer new routes in flexible electronics and hold potential for the development of efficient artificial skins, robotics and biomedical monitoring devices.