Efficient Deep-Blue LEDs Based on Hybrid Copper Iodide Emissive Layer

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Components of a blue LED incorporating hybrid Cul emissive layer

Invention Summary:

Blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) are essential to energy-efficient lighting technologies, especially for the creation of white light. However, deep blue emitting cadmium-based quantum dots and lead-based perovskites pose toxicity and environmental concerns while organic and perovskite-based blue LEDs also suffer from poor structural and spectral stability.

Rutgers researchers have developed high-efficiency, stable, and eco-friendly deep-blue LEDs using solution-processable copper–iodide hybrid materials with dual interfacial hydrogen-bond passivation. Utilizing a solution-processed thin film of CuI(Hda) as the sole emissive layer, the device performance is significantly enhanced through a dual interfacial hydrogen-bond passivation strategy. This approach integrates a hydrogen-bond-acceptor self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at the hole-transport layer/emissive layer interface and an ultrathin polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) capping layer at the emissive layer/electron-transport layer interface.

Market Applications:

• Solid-state lighting
• Full-color display technologies
• Large-area lighting panels and backlighting for screens and signage
• Eco-friendly optoelectronic devices

Advantages:

• Deep-blue emission (449 nm)
• Near unity photoluminescence quantum yield (99.6%) and high external quantum efficiency (12.57%)
• Long half-life (204 hours under ambient conditions)
• Low-cost, scalable fabrication involving non-toxic, earth-abundant elements
• High thermal stability (> 250 °C)
• Enhanced charge injection and reduced defects

Publications:

•    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09257-8

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu