Enhanced quantum-dot light-emitting diodes using gold nanorods

Plasmon-enhanced quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) were fabricated by inserting gold (Au) nanorods at the interface of the QLEDs. The length of the nanorods was 60 nm, which corresponds to the plasmonic absorption of wavelengths in the range of 630 to 670 nm. CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were used as emission layers with additional hole injection, transport, and electron transport layers. The maximum emission was observed at 630 nm, which is in the range of the plasmon resonance of the Au nanorods. The QLEDs with Au nanorods showed enhanced electroluminescence properties compared to the devices without the plasmonic nano-structure. A 172% increase in electroluminescent intensity was observed due to the plasmon coupling effect. The results demonstrate a promising method for developing high-performance QLEDs.