Time-Resolved Mechanism of Positive Aging in InP Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes

Positive aging has been reported to be effective for enhancing electroluminescence characteristics of quantum dot (QD) based optoelectrical devices. This study investigated the intricate mechanisms underlying the positive aging effect in quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) influenced by encapsulation with ultraviolet-curable resin. A 120-h analysis assessed the impact of the resin on the electron transport layer and emission layer, utilizing a strategically positioned perfluorinated ionomer (PFI) interlayer. The PFI layer effectively delayed the Al₂O₃ formation at the zinc magnesium oxide (ZMO)/Al interface and further reduced the interactions within the QD/ZMO interface, thereby curtailing exciton quenching at the interfaces. The time-sequential effect of positive aging demonstrated that resin encapsulation effectively passivates the ZMO surfaces after 12 h. The positive aging facilitated the reaction between aluminum and oxygen from ZMO, contributing to Al₂O₃ formation within 48 h of aging. Furthermore, positive aging passivated the defect states of the QD surface and the QD/ZMO interface, reducing exciton quenching at the QD or QD/ZMO interface. The enhanced electron injection and reduced exciton quenching resulted in aged InP QLEDs, exhibiting an external quantum efficiency of 12.04%. This is a significant increase from the 3.16% observed in the control device. Finally, a sequential mechanism of positive aging in InP QLEDs was devised, providing new insights into the time-related operation of aging agents. This study elucidates an advanced time-resolved mechanism of positive aging, thereby offering valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of excitons within the domain of QLED physics.