Enhanced electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes by using halloysite nanotubes

The effect of halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) on the optical and electronic properties of poly(2-methoxy-5-[2′-ethylhexyloxy]-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) have been investigated. The UV–vis absorption band of the conjugated polymer remains unchanged upon the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Photoluminescence (PL) measurements reveal a decreased quantum yield in the MEH-PPV/HNTs nanocomposites, compared with bulk MEH-PPV. Improvement of the electroluminescence of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was achieved by incorporating high contents of HNTs. The nanotubes act to enhanced polymer aggregates, as revealed by AFM analysis, thus increasing charge transport and therefore electroluminescence but also decreasing PL quantum yield. -- Highlights: • Thin films of nanocomposites of MEH-PPV/HNTs were prepared by spin coating. • Quantum yield in the nanocomposites was decreased compared with bulk MEH-PPV. • Improvement of the EL of OLEDs was achieved by incorporating high contents of HNTs. • The HNTs act to enhanced polymer aggregates, as revealed by AFM