A robust vertical nanoscaffold for recyclable, paintable, and flexible light-emitting devices

Organic light-emitting devices are key components for emerging opto- and nanoelectronics applications including health monitoring and smart displays. Here, we report a foldable inverted polymer light-emitting diode (iPLED) based on a self-suspended asymmetrical vertical nanoscaffold replacing the conventional sandwich-like structured LEDs. Our empty vertical-yet-open nanoscaffold exhibits excellent mechanical robustness, proven by unaltered leakage current when applying 1000 cycles of 40-kilopascal pressure loading/unloading, sonication, and folding, with the corresponding iPLEDs displaying a brightness as high as 2300 candela per square meter. By using photolithography and brush painting, arbitrary emitting patterns can be generated via a noninvasive and mask-free process with individual pixel resolution of 10 μm. Our vertical nanoscaffold iPLED can be supported on flexible polyimide foils and be recycled multiple times by washing and refilling with a different conjugated polymer capable of emitting light of different color. This technology combines the traits required for the next generation of high-resolution flexible displays and multifunctional optoelectronics.