Understanding the ion distribution in LECs

Sustainable, recyclable, and low-cost light-emitting technologies are projected to revolutionize the lighting market by introducing new applications in disease treatment, packaging, architecture, and fashion. The light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) may become such a disruptive lighting technology.

It can be fabricated from biodegradable materials using cost-efficient printing or coating and offers soft areal emission from flexible and thin luminaires.

In contrast to established (organic) LEDs, an LEC comprises only one active layer in which an organic semiconductor is blended with an electrolyte. Under operating voltage, the mobile ions redistribute and form self-organized charge-injection and transport regions.

While being a promising concept for versatile, next-generation lighting, LECs currently suffer from inadequate operating lifetime and efficiency.

Recent data suggest that the same ion redistribution that enables single-layer functionality also induces severe exciton-polaron quenching. This causes a reduction in light emission by about a factor of two and fast material degradation.

Building on this new insight, I want to combine the expertise of OPEG, a leading group in LEC research, with my knowledge in optoelectronic characterization and modeling to develop a better understanding and control of the ion redistribution process in LECs.

The associated suppression of ion-induced exciton-polaron quenching has the potential to enhance the LEC efficiency and lifetime towards industrial relevance, rendering it a promising next-generation light source.