Mesh-patterned silver electrode via electrohydrodynamic printing for transparent and flexible quantum-dot light-emitting diodes

Abstract

A precise and efficient patterning method for mesh-structured electrodes is crucial for fabricating transparent and flexible quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (TF-QLEDs). In this study, we present an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing method to directly pattern Ag mesh electrodes on flexible QLED devices, eliminating the need for sacrificial layers or chemical etching. By investigating the printing parameters, we achieved Ag mesh electrodes with excellent optical transparency exceeding 84%T, electrical conductivity with a sheet resistance of less than 8 Ω/sq, and mechanical stability with less than 5% variation after over 2000 bending cycles. These mesh-patterned electrodes demonstrated superior characteristics compared to conventional electrodes. Additionally, the device efficiency of mesh-patterned electrodes was comparable to that of conventional planar electrodes, making them highly suitable for flexible electronic devices. This method offers significant advantages in transparency, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, presenting a promising approach for the fabrication of next-generation flexible displays.