Optical and electrical properties of single-ion transport light-emitting electrochemical cells

We present electrical and optical characteristics of single-ion transport light-emitting electrochemical cells (SLECs) based on a blend film of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) derivative with ion-conducting side groups and ionized polyurethane-poly(ethylene glycol). The turn-on voltage of the SLECs is lower than 4V. The response time of the SLECs is less than 10ms, which is approximately two orders of magnitude faster than that of conventional bi-ionic transport light-emitting electrochemical cells. The quick response can be explained on the basis of both good compatibility between the two polymers and weak scattering behavior of the counter ions. In addition, according to the transient current and electroluminescence characteristics, we reveal that the electrical field is close to zero in the inner of the SLEC under the condition of steady state.