Formation of low surface energy separators with undercut structures via a full-solution process and its application in inkjet printed matrix of polymer light-emitting diodes

In this paper, low surface energy separators with undercut structures were fabricated through a full-solution process. These low surface energy separators are more suitable for application in inkjet printed passive-matrix displays of polymer light-emitting diodes. A patterned PS film was formed on the P4VP/photoresist film by microtransfer printing firstly. Patterned Au-coated Ni film was formed on the uncovered P4VP/photoresist film by electroless deposition. This metal film was used as mask to pattern the photoresist layer and form undercut structures with the patterned photoresist layer. The surface energy of the metal film also decreased dramatically from 84.6 mJ/m2 to 21.1 mJ/m2 by modification of fluorinated mercaptan self-assemble monolayer on Au surface. The low surface energy separators were used to confine the flow of inkjet printed PFO solution and improve the patterning resolution of inkjet printing successfully. Separated PFO stripes, complement with the pattern of the separators, formed through inkjet printing. The separators also realized the patterning of cathodes. A passive-matrix display device was obtained through the assistant patterning of low surface energy separators.