Sequential Formation of Multiple Gap States by Interfacial Reaction between Alq3 and Alkaline-earth Metal

Electron injection enhancement at OLED (organic light-emitting diodes) cathode side has mostly been achieved by insertion of a low work function layer between metal electrode and emissive layer. We investigated the interfacial chemical reactions and electronic structures of alkaline-earth metal (Ca, Ba)/Alq3 [tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium] and Ca/BaF2/Alq3 using in-situ X-ray & ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. The alkaline-earth metal deposited on Alq3 generates two energetically separated gap states in sequential manner. This phenomenon is explained by step-by-step charge transfer from alkali-earth metal to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) states of Alq3, forming new occupied states below Fermi level. The BaF2 interlayer initially prevents from direct contact between Alq3 and reactive Ca metal, but it is dissociated into Ba and CaF2. However, as the Ca thickness increases, the Ca penetrates the interlayer to directly participate in the reaction with underlying Alq3. The influence of the multiple gap state formation by the interfacial chemical reaction on the OLED performance will be discussed.