Carbon Nanotube Composite Structure for OLED Electron Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing carbon nanotube composite structures for OLEDs suffer from poor dispersion of carbon nanotubes, leading to inadequate electron transport due to non-uniform distribution, which affects the performance of the electron transport layer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the placement of carbon nanotubes on a substrate, coating with a monomer solution, polymerization, and subsequent removal to create a uniformly dispersed carbon nanotube composite structure that enhances electron transport by ensuring the carbon nanotubes are uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If carbon nanotubes are dispersed in organic solvent to form carbon nanotube dispersion, then the carbon nanotube composite structure can be formed, but the carbon nanotubes have poor dispersion in the organic solvent which affects the uniformity of the carbon nanotubes in the composite structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of carbon nanotubes in composite structureVSAvoiddispersion quality of carbon nanotubes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ultrasonic treatment as an intermediary process between dispersing carbon nanotubes in organic solvent and forming the composite structure. The ultrasonic waves act as a mediator to break up aggregates and achieve uniform dispersion of carbon nanotubes throughout the polymer matrix, directly addressing the poor dispersion issue mentioned in the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the carbon nanotube dispersion to improve dispersion quality. The mechanical vibration from ultrasonic waves disrupts carbon nanotube aggregates and promotes uniform distribution in the organic solvent before polymerization, thereby enhancing the uniformity of carbon nanotubes in the final composite structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Ease of manufacture

If the polymer is completely melted and mixed with carbon nanotubes, then the carbon nanotube composite structure can be formed, but the carbon nanotubes have poor dispersion in the melted polymer because the melted polymer has greater viscosity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessability of polymer mixingVSAvoiduniformity of carbon nanotubes in composite structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the polymer from melted to solution state. By dissolving the polymer in a solvent to create a polymer solution with lower viscosity, the patent enables better dispersion of carbon nanotubes while maintaining ease of mixing. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between manufacturability and uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional methods are used to form carbon nanotube composite structure, then the structure can be created, but the electron transport layer has poor ability to transmit electrons due to non-uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron transport capabilityVSAvoiduniformity of carbon nanotube distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary ultrasonic treatment on the carbon nanotube dispersion before polymerization to ensure uniform distribution. This preliminary action of dispersing and deaggregating carbon nanotubes in the organic solvent phase before the polymer matrix forms ensures that the final composite structure has uniform carbon nanotube distribution, which directly improves electron transport capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical mixing methods with ultrasonic wave treatment. This substitution uses acoustic energy instead of mechanical shear forces to achieve uniform dispersion, resulting in better distribution of carbon nanotubes and improved electron transport properties in the final composite structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method results in improved electron transport capabilities, enhancing the performance of the OLED by ensuring uniform dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the electron transport layer.

Implementation Method 1

coating with a monomer solution, polymerization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS10319932B2Method for making organic light emitting diode

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD

AI summary

A method for making an organic light emitting diode includes providing a preform structure including an anode electrode, a hole transport layer, and an organic light emitting layer stacked on each other in that order. A carbon nanotube composite structure including a polymer and a plurality of first carbon nanotubes dispersed in the polymer is also provided. The plurality of first carbon nanotubes is substantially parallel to each other, and a part of surface of the plurality of first carbon nanotubes is exposed from the polymer. The preform structure, the carbon nanotube composite structure and a cathode electrode are stacked on each other in that order.