Intrinsically stretchable quantum dot light-emitting diodes

The study presents innovative strategies for intrinsically-stretchable (is-) quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), crucial for future user-friendly displays. It introduces a mechanically soft and stretchable is-EML composed of colloidal quantum dots (QDs), elastomeric polymer, and charge transport polymer. Despite high stretchability, the inter-QD spacing remains minimally altered under ~50% strain, ensuring stable device operation. A polymer-rich charge transport layer facilitates efficient hole transport to QDs within the elastomer matrix. Fully-optimized is-QLEDs, comprising an is-EML, charge transport layers, and stretchable electrodes, demonstrate impressive performance, including a low turn-on voltage of 3.2 V and a maximum luminance of 15,170 cd m-2 at 6.2 V, maintaining brightness even under 50% strain. These advancements enable full-color is-passive-matrix QLED arrays, showcasing potential for fully-stretchable QD displays.