The Stability Challenges in Developing QLED Based Display Technology

Abstract

Quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) have emerged as an attractive display technology due to their high brightness, wide color gamut, and ultrahigh resolution. As they transition from prototype devices to commercial display products, the stability of QLED devices becomes a critical challenge for industrialization. In this perspective we highlight the stability challenges in advancing QLED-based display technologies, with a focus on thermodynamic considerations, carrier dynamics, and materials degradation. Based on the analysis of thermodynamics and carrier dynamics, it is more challenging to achieve long-lived blue QLED devices due to their high input power, high photon flux, severe charge accumulation, and strong bulk-surface coupling. Combining the equivalent circuit model and p–n junction theory, stability-related carrier dynamics can be clarified to understand the degradation mechanisms of the operational devices. Finally, in addition to chemical/electrochemical reactions in QLED devices, the intrinsic material stability with/without an electric field needs to be further investigated, which provides additional material selection guides in developing prototype devices. We hope this Viewpoint can motivate more fundamental research on the stability issues of QLEDs toward industrialization.