Highly efficient and ultrahigh-resolution quantum dot light-emitting diodes via photoisomeric transformation

Abstract The direct photopatterning technique provides a straightforward approach for high-resolution quantum dot (QD) patterns for next-generation displays. However, the extensively deteriorated QD optical properties deriving from the changes of the QD surface states and/or surroundings set substantial limitations in obtaining high-quality QD patterns and efficient electroluminescent devices. Here, we propose an ingenious and effective approach by utilizing the photoisomeric transformation from spiropyran to merocyanine for highly emissive QD patterns. We reveal the suppression of non-radiative energy transfer between QDs and the dissociative merocyanine for fast luminescence recovery. We achieve small-sized (0.8 μm), high-resolution (15,800 pixels per inch, PPI), high-fidelity (~100%), multicolor, and elaborated QD pixels, and showcase their good compatibility for CdSe/ZnS and perovskite QD pixel fabrication, as well as on both rigid and flexible substrates. These merits promote highly performing pixelated devices with a large luminance of 35,534 cd m − 2 and a record efficiency of 24.5% at 6350 PPI among the direct photopatterning devices. Furthermore, we verify the wide applicability of the proposed strategy for high-performance pixelated perovskite devices with an efficiency of 13.8% at 1760 PPI. The above results confirm the great value of the proposed approach for high-quality QD patterns and high-performance pixelated devices.