Spontaneously formed cellulose-based random micro-textured film for light extraction in organic light-emitting diodes

Abstract

This study utilized cellulose-based external light extraction films to enhance the outcoupling efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). These films were created through a straightforward fabrication employing the biopolymers hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and tannic acid (TA). We observed that the hydrogen bonding between HEC and TA could spontaneously generate a random microtextured surface on the HEC: TA films. Furthermore, the surface morphology of the HECTA film can be adjusted by varying the TA content. When applying the HECTA films as an external light-extraction layer for OLEDs, we noticed a remarkable improvement in the external quantum efficiency and current efficiency of the OLEDs up to 54% compared to those without the HECTA film. Additionally, the HECTA film displayed an outstanding ability to absorb ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is anticipated that the HECTA film can significantly contribute to prolonging the stability of OLEDs.