Degradation of Bilayer Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Studied by Impedance Spectroscopy

The degradation of bilayer organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with a device structure of N, N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N, N′-diphenylbenzidine (α-NPD) (hole transport layer) and tris-(8-hydroxyquinolate)aluminum (Alq₃) (emissive layer and electron transport layer) has been studied by impedance spectroscopy and device simulation. Two modulus peaks are found in the modulus spectra of the OLEDs below the electroluminescence threshold. After aging of the OLEDs, the intensity of electroluminescence is degraded and the modulus peak due to the Alq₃ layer is shifted to lower frequency, indicating that the resistance of the Alq₃ layer is increased. Device simulation reveals that the increase in the resistance of the Alq₃ layer is due to the decrease in the electron mobility in the Alq₃ layer.