Review of recent progress in multilayer solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become a promising candidate for lighting and display applications. High efficiency OLEDs require a multilayer device architecture to provide exciton confinement and balance charge transport. Conventional OLEDs are made by vacuum process, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced by solution processing. However, unlike vacuum-deposited OLEDs, solution-processed multilayer OLEDs are more challenging to make. The key for multilayer solution processing is to have the layer structure which can withstand solvents used in subsequent processing. We review the materials’ strategies to make multilayer solution-processed OLEDs. Specifically, we will discuss the use of cross-linkable organic materials, metal oxides, and orthogonal solvent systems to deposit various functional layers in an OLED.