Hybrid multilayered films comprising organic monolayers and inorganic nanolayers for excellent flexible encapsulation films

• Published in: Applied surface science 2020-02, Vol.502, p.144109, Article 144109
• Main Authors: Park, Jinseon, Seth, Jhumur, Cho, Sangho, Sung, Myung Mo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atomic layer deposition; Gas-diffusion barriers; Molecular layer deposition; Organic-inorganic multilayered films; Organic-light emitting diodes
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.144109

[Display omitted] •Hybrid superlattice films composed of 4MP and Al2O3 were developed for thin film encapsulation.•The 4MP/Al2O3 superlattices achieved an ultralow water vapor transmission rate.•Organic layers inhibit pinhole propagation through which water permeation is restricted.•Both organic- and inorganic-layers play a role for the resistance to mechanical strain.•Thickness and thickness ratio of each organic and inorganic layer should be modulated. In the present study, we develop novel hybrid multilayered films films composed of organic monolayers of 4-mercaptophenol (4MP) and inorganic Al2O3 nanolayers for thin film encapsulation. The 4MP/Al2O3 multilayered films films achieved an excellent transmittance (>90%) and an ultralow water vapor transmission rate (2.32 × 10−7 g m−2 days−1), even retained the excellent barrier properties in 1000 times bending process. Inhibition of pinhole propagation and resistance to mechanical strain from organic monolayers with the help of inorganic nanolayers brought to such superior barrier performance in flexible devices, which can enhance the lifespan of the organic electronic devices.