Quantum-dot and organic hybrid tandem light-emitting diodes with multi-functionality of full-color-tunability and white-light-emission

Realizing of full-color quantum-dot LED display remains a challenge because of the poor stability of the blue quantum-dot and the immature inkjet-printing color patterning technology. Here, we develop a multifunctional tandem LED by stacking a yellow quantum-dot LED with a blue organic LED using an indium–zinc oxide intermediate connecting electrode. Under parallel connection and alternate-current driving, the tandem LED is full-color-tunable, which can emit red, green and blue primary colors as well as arbitrary colors that cover a 63% National Television System Committee color triangle. Under series connection and direct current driving, the tandem LED can emit efficient white light with a high brightness of 107000 cd m−2 and a maximum external quantum efficiency up to 26.02%. The demonstrated hybrid tandem LED, with multi-functionality of full-color-tunability and white light-emission, could find potential applications in both full-color-display and solid-state-lighting. Designing efficient light-emitting diodes with full-color-tunability and white-light-emission remains a challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate a multifunctional hybrid tandem LED by stacking a yellow quantum-dot LED with a blue organic LED using an indium–zinc oxide intermediate connecting electrode.