Nanostructured materials for next-generation display technology

Abstract

Nanostructured materials, such as quantum dots (QDs), metal oxide nanoparticles and metal halide perovskite nanostructures, are promising for next-generation display technology owing to their low-cost solution process, high photoluminescence quantum yield, narrow emission, wide colour gamut and high colour purity. Over the past decade, commercial displays based on QD photoluminescence have been successfully introduced, such as QD-enhanced liquid crystal displays, QD organic light-emitting diodes and QD light-emitting diodes. Electroluminescence (EL) from nanostructured materials represents one of the ultimate goals for future display technology, owing to its high efficiency and simple device structure. However, the electroluminescent application of these nanomaterials is still in its infancy, primarily owing to the instability of blue devices and immature mass-production technologies. This Review introduces the progress of photoluminescent QDs, with a focus on advancements in EL. We explore improvements in materials and device design to enhance EL stability and to examine critical mass-production technologies, including high-resolution display innovations. Finally, we outline future research direction for enhancing operation stability of deep-blue EL. Nanostructured materials, such as quantum dots, are potential candidates for next-generation displays. This Review highlights the degradation mechanisms of devices and points out the strategies that can be used to improve the stability of electroluminescence.