Organic electronic device

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device in which an electrode for hole injection or hole extraction has an n-type organic compound layer. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic device capable of reducing an energy barrier for hole injection or hole extraction.

[0002] This application claims priority benefits from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0103664, filed on Nov. 1, 2005, the entire contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In general, an electronic device, such as a solar cell, an organic light emitting device, or an organic transistor, includes two electrodes and an organic compound layer interposed therebetween. For example, a solar cell generates electricity using electrons and holes separated from exitons that are generated in an organic compound layer by solar energy. An organic light emitting device converts a current into visible light by injecting electrons and holes from two electrodes into an organic compound layer. An organic transistor transports holes or electrons generated in an organic compound layer between a source electrode and a drain electrode by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. The electronic device may further include an electron/hole injection layer, an electron/hole extraction layer, or an electron/hole transport layer.

[0004] However, since the interfaces between the organic compound layer and the electrodes each containing a metal, a metal oxide, or a conductive polymer are unstable, heat from the outside, heat generated inside, or an electric field applied to the electronic device may have a bad effect on performance of the electronic device. Further, due to a conductive energy level difference between the organic compound layer and the electron/hole injection layer, the electron/hole extraction layer, or the electron/hole transport layer, a driving voltage for driving the electronic device may increase. Therefore, it is important not only to minimize the energy barrier for hole/electron injection to the electrodes and hole/electron extraction from the electrodes, but also to stabilize the interfaces between the organic compound layer and the electrodes and the interfaces between the organic compound and the electron/hole injection layer, the electron/hole extraction layer, and the electron/hole transport layer.

[0005] Electronic devices capable of adjusting the energy level differences between the electrodes and the organic compound layer interposed therebetween have been developed. In case of an organic light emitting device, in order to smoothly inject holes, an anode is adjusted to have a Fermi energy level similar to an HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) energy level of a hole injection layer or a material having an HOMO energy level similar to a Fermi energy level of an anode is selected as a material for a hole injection layer. However, since the hole injection layer should be selected in view of an HOMO energy level of a hole transport layer or an emitting layer close to the hole injection layer as well as in view of the Fermi energy level of the anode, there is a limitation to select a material for the hole injection layer.

[0006] For this reason, in general, a method of adjusting a Fermi energy level of an anode is used to manufacture an organic light emitting device. However, in such a method, a material for the anode is limited. In an organic transistor, gold or precious metals are used as materials of a source electrode and a drain electrode. However, precious metals, such as gold, are very expensive and are not easily processed compared with other metals. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the organic transistor is complicated and thus it is difficult to commercially use the organic transistor.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device, such as an organic light emitting device, an organic solar cell and an organic transistor, which includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic compound layer interposed between the first and second electrodes, in which the first electrode and the second electrode are formed of the same material, and a stack-type organic light emitting device using the organic light emitting device as a repetition unit.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic device, such as an organic light emitting device, an organic solar cell, and an organic transistor, in which, in a case where a first electrode includes an n-type organic compound layer and a conductive layer, even though an energy difference between an LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is large, for example, 2 eV to 4 eV, hole injection and/or hole extraction capacity can be improved with a low electrical barrier for hole injection and/or hole extraction at an interface between an electrode and an organic compound layer, whereby excellent device performance exhibits, and in which an electrode can be formed of various materials, whereby a device manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an electronic device includes a first electrode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer disposed on the conductive layer; a second electrode; and a p-type organic compound layer that is interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the second electrode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode. Energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (1) and (2):
2 eV<E_nL−E_F1≦4 eV  (1)
E_pH−E_nL≦1 eV  (2)

[0010] where E_F1 is a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode, E_nL is an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode, and E_pH is an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer forming the NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an organic light emitting device includes an anode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer disposed on the conductive layer; a cathode; and a p-type organic compound layer that is interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and the cathode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the anode. Energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (3) and (4):
2 eV<E_nL−E_F1≦4 eV  (3)
E_pH−E_nL≦1 eV  (4)

[0012] where E_F1 is a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the anode, E_nL is an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the anode, and E_pH is an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer forming the NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the anode.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an organic solar cell includes an anode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer disposed on the conductive layer; a cathode; and an electron donor layer consisting of a p-type organic compound layer that is interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and the cathode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the anode. Energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (5) and (6):
2 eV<E_nL−E_F1≦4 eV  (5)
E_pH−E_nL≦1 eV  (6)

[0014] where E_F1 is a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the anode, E_nL is an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the anode, and E_pH is an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer forming the NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the anode.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an organic transistor includes a source electrode; a drain electrode; a gate electrode; an insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; and a p-type organic compound layer disposed on the insulating layer. At least one of the source electrode and the drain electrode includes a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer forming an NP junction together with the p-type organic compound layer, and energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (7) and (8):
2 eV<E_nL−E_F1≦4 eV  (7)
E_pH−E_nL≦1 eV  (8)

[0016] where E_F1 is a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the source electrode or drain electrode, E_nL is an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the source electrode or drain electrode, and E_pH is an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer forming the NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the source electrode or drain electrode.

[0017] As described above, in an electronic device, such as an organic light emitting device, a stack-type light emitting device, an organic transistor, and an organic solar cell, according to the invention, a conductive layer of a first electrode and a second electrode may be formed of the same material. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a high-luminance organic light emitting device having a stacked structure and to realize various devices, such as a stack-type electronic device in which a plurality of unit electronic devices are stacked. Further, it is possible to use various electrode materials in an electronic device, such as an organic light emitting device, an organic transistor, and an organic solar cell, requiring hole injection and hole extraction layers, and to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0018] Furthermore, since an organic electronic device according to the invention lowers an electrical barrier for hole injection or hole extraction and forms an NP junction of an n-type organic compound layer and a p-type organic compound layer, the efficiency of the device is high. In addition, since various materials can be used to form an electrode, it is possible to further simplify the manufacturing process.

[0019] FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are views illustrating energy levels of a first electrode for hole injection or hole extraction before and after applying an n-type organic compound layer to the first electrode in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, respectively.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an NP junction formed between an n-type organic compound layer of a first electrode for hole injection or hole extraction and a p-type organic compound layer in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIGS. 3 to 5 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating organic light emitting devices according to exemplary embodiments of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an ideal energy level of a conventional organic light emitting device.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an energy level of an organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic transistor according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating stack-type organic light emitting devices according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

• • [0027] 31, 41, 61: SUBSTRATE
  • [0028] 32, 42: ANODE
  • [0029] 37, 45: CATHODE
  • [0030] 33: HOLE INJECTION LAYER
  • [0031] 34: HOLE TRANSPORT LAYER
  • [0032] 35: EMITTING LAYER
  • [0033] 36: ELECTRON TRANSPORT LAYER
  • [0034] 43: ELECTRON DONER LAYER
  • [0035] 44: ELECTRON ACCEPTOR LAYER
  • [0036] 62: GATE ELECTRODE
  • [0037] 63: INSULATING LAYER
  • [0038] 64: p-TYPE ORGANIC COMPOUND LAYER
  • [0039] 65: SOURCE ELECTRODE
  • [0040] 66: DRAIN ELECTRODE
  • [0041] 32a, 42a, 65a, 66a: CONDUCTIVE LAYER
  • [0042] 32b, 42b, 67: n-TYPE ORGANIC COMPOUND LAYER

[0043] Hereinafter, only preferred embodiments of the invention will be illustrated and described by explaining conditions contrived by the inventors in order to implement the present invention. However, various changes or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The accompanying drawings and the following detailed description are illustrative but not intended to limit the invention.

[0044] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a first electrode including a conductive layer and an organic compound layer that is formed on the conductive layer and has n-type semiconductor features (hereinafter, referred to as an “n-type organic compound layer”), a second electrode, and an organic compound layer having p-type semiconductor features for forming an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode (hereinafter, referred to as a “p-type organic compound layer”). The electronic device may further include at least one selected from an electron/hole injection layer, an electron/hole extraction layer, an electron/hole transport layer, and an emitting layer, which is disposed between the p-type organic compound layer and the second electrode.

[0045] The conductive layer of the first electrode may be formed of a metal, a metal oxide, or a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer may include an electro-conductive polymer. The n-type organic compound layer formed on the conductive layer of the first electrode has a predetermined LUMO energy level with respect to a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer and an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer. The n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode is selected so as to reduce an energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode and an energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer. Therefore, holes are easily injected into the HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer through the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode. Also, holes are easily extracted from the HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer through the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode. However, in the invention, the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is equal to or more than a predetermined value such that the conductive layer of the first electrode is formed of a material having a low work function. Specifically, in the invention, various materials can be used to form the electrode. The detailed description thereof will be described below.

[0046] International Application No. PCT/KR2005/001381 in the name of the inventors discloses an electrode device that includes a first electrode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer disposed on the conductive layer; a second electrode; and a p-type organic compound layer that is interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the second electrode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer, wherein a difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is 2 eV or less, and a difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer is 1 eV or less. In the electronic device according to the above-mentioned application, hole injection and/or hole extraction capacity can be improved with a low energy barrier for hole injection and/or hole extraction at an interface between the first electrode and the organic compound layer, whereby excellent device performance exhibits, and an electrode can be formed of various materials, whereby a device manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0047] When the conductive layer of the first electrode and the second electrode are formed of the same material, it is possible to realize various devices, such as a stack-type electronic device in which unit electronic devices are stacked and to simplify a device manufacturing process. Nevertheless, in the electronic device according to the above-mentioned application, in case of the second electrode, unlike the first electrode, it is advantageous to use a material having a low work function such that electrons are easily injected thereto. For example, LiF—Al, Li—Al, Ca, Ca—Ag, or Ca—IZO is used as the material of the second electrode. Therefore, in a case where the first electrode should satisfy the above-mentioned condition that the difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is 2 eV or less, there is a limitation to apply Ca, Ca—Ag, or Ca—IZO among the above-mentioned examples of the material of the second electrode to the conductive layer of the first electrode.

[0048] According to this invention, the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV. Further, the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer is 1 eV or less, and preferably, approximately 0.5 eV or less. This energy difference is preferably approximately 0.01 eV to 1 eV in view of material selection.

[0049] When the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is more than 4 eV, an effect of a surface dipole or a gap state on an energy barrier for hole injection or hole extraction is reduced. When the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode is equal to or less than 2 eV, there is a limitation in the selection of materials for the conductive layer of the first electrode. Also, when the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer is more than approximately 1 eV, the NP junction of the p-type organic compound layer and the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode is not easily formed and thus a driving voltage for hole injection or hole extraction increases.

[0050] FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate energy levels of a first electrode for hole injection or hole extraction before and after an n-type organic compound layer is applied to the first electrode in an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, respectively. In FIG. 1(a), the conductive layer of the first electrode has a Fermi energy level E_F1 lower than a Fermi energy level E_F2 of the n-type organic compound layer. A vacuum level (VL) represents an energy level at which electrons can freely move in the conductive layer and the n-type organic compound layer.

[0051] In a case where the electronic device uses the n-type organic compound layer as a portion of the first electrode, the conductive layer is brought into contact with the n-type organic compound layer. In FIG. 1(b), since electrons move from the conductive layer to the n-type organic compound layer, the Fermi energy levels E_F1 and E_F2 of both layers come to be the same. As a result, a surface dipole is formed at the interface of the conductive layer and the n-type organic compound layer, and the vacuum level, the Fermi energy level, the HOMO energy level, and the LUMO energy level are changed as shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0052] Therefore, even though the energy difference between the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the first electrode and the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode is large, the energy barrier for hole injection or hole extraction can be reduced by bringing the conductive layer into contact with the n-type organic compound layer. Further, when the conductive layer has a Fermi energy level lower than the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer, electrons move from the conductive layer to the n-type organic compound layer, and thus a gap state is formed at an interface between the conductive layer and the n-type organic compound layer. As a result, the energy barrier for electron transport is minimized.

[0053] The n-type organic compound layer formed on the conductive layer of the first electrode may contain a compound represented by the following Formula 1.

[0054] In Formula 1, each of R¹ to R⁶ is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, halogen atoms, nitrile (—CN), nitro (—NO₂), sulfonyl (—SO₂R), sulfoxide (—SOR), sulfonamide (—SO₂NR), sulfonate (—SO₃R), trifluoromethyl (—CF₃), ester (—COOR), amide (—CONHR or —CONRR′), substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched chain C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted straight or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic rings, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted mono- or di-arylamine, and substituted or unsubstituted aralkylamine, and each of R and R′ are selected from a group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₆₀ alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted 5-7 membered heterocyclic rings.

[0055] Examples of the compound of Formula 1 may include compounds represented by the following Formulae 1-1 to 1-6.

[0056] Other examples, synthesizing methods, and various features of Formula 1 are disclosed in US Patent Application No. 2002-0158242 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,436,559 and 4,780,536, and the contents of the above-mentioned documents are incoporated herein.

[0057] Further, the n-type organic compound layer may contain at least one compound selected from 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ), fluoro-substituted 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA), cyano-substituted 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA), naphthalene-tetracaboxylic-dianhydride (NTCDA), fluoro-substituted naphthalene-tetracaboxylic-dianhydride (NTCDA), or cyano-substituted naphthalene-tetracaboxylic-dianhydride (NTCDA).

[0058] The electronic device according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention includes the p-type organic compound layer being in contact with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode for hole injection or hole extraction. Therefore, the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the p-type organic compound layer form the NP junction. FIG. 2 shows the NP junction formed between the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the p-type organic compound layer.

[0059] When the NP junction is formed, the energy level difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer is reduced. Therefore, holes or electrons are easily generated by an external voltage or a light source. The NP junction causes holes and electrons to be easily generated in the p-type organic compound layer and the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode, respectively. Since holes and electrons are simultaneously generated in the NP junction, the electrons are transported to the conductive layer of the first electrode through the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and holes are transported to the p-type organic compound layer.

[0060] Examples of the electronic device according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention include an organic light emitting device, an organic solar cell, and an organic transistor, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0061] Organic Light Emitting Device

[0062] An organic light emitting device includes an anode electrode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer positioned on the conductive layer; a cathode electrode; and a p-type organic compound layer interposed between the n-type organic compound layer and the cathode to form an NP-junction together with the n-type organic compound layer. The organic light emitting device may include at least one of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer between the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and the cathode.

[0063] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate organic light emitting devices according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, organic light emitting devices according to first to third embodiments of the invention are formed as follows.

• • [0064] substrate 31
  • [0065] anode 32: conductive layer 32a/n-type organic compound layer 32b
  • [0066] p-type hole injection layer 33
  • [0067] hole transport layer 34
  • [0068] emitting layer 35
  • [0069] electron transport layer 36
  • [0070] cathode 37

• • [0071] substrate 31
  • [0072] anode 32: conductive layer 32a/n-type organic compound layer 32b
  • [0073] p-type hole injection layer 34
  • [0074] emitting layer 35
  • [0075] electron transport layer 36
  • [0076] cathode 37

• • [0077] substrate 31
  • [0078] anode 32 : conductive layer 32a/n-type organic compound layer 32b
  • [0079] p-type emitting layer 35
  • [0080] electron transport layer 36
  • [0081] cathode 37

[0082] In the first to third embodiments, the hole transport layer 34 , the emitting layer 35, and the electron transport layer 36 may be formed of the same organic compound or different organic compounds. In the second embodiment, the n-type organic compound layer 32b functions as a hole injection layer as well. In the third embodiment, the n-type organic compound layer 32b functions as both a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer.

[0083] In the first to third embodiments, an energy difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 32b and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer 32a is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV. In the first to third embodiments, the p-type organic compound layer forming the NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer 32b is the p-type hole injection layer 33, the p-type hole transport layer 34 , and the p-type emitting layer 35, respectively. As for the n-type organic compound layer 32b and the p-type organic compound layer forming the NP junction, the energy difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 32b and an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer is approximately 1 eV or less, and preferably, approximately 0.5 eV or less.

[0084] When the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 32b and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer 32a is lager than 4 eV, a surface dipole or gap state effect on an energy barrier for injection of the holes into the p-type hole injection layer is reduced. When the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 32b and the HOMO energy level of the p-type hole injection layer is lager than approximately 1 eV, holes or electrons are not easily generated in the p-type organic compound layer or the n-type organic compound layer 32b, respectively, and a driving voltage for injection holes increases.

[0085] FIG. 6 illustrates an ideal energy level of an organic light emitting device according to the related art. At this energy level, a loss of energy for injecting holes and electrons from the anode and the cathode, respectively, is minimized. FIG. 7 illustrates an energy level of an organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, an organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes an anode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer (see FIG. 3), a p-type hole injection layer HIL, a hole transport layer HTL, an emitting layer EML, an electron transport layer ETL, and a cathode. The energy difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the anode is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV. Further, the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and an HOMO energy level of the p-type hole injection layer is approximately 1 eV or less. Since an energy barrier for injecting or extracting holes/electrons is lowered by the n-type organic compound layer of the anode, holes are easily transported from the anode to the emitting layer using the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and the HOMO energy level of the p-type hole injection layer.

[0087] Since the n-type organic compound layer of the anode lowers the energy barrier for injecting holes from the anode to the p-type hole injection layer, the p-type hole transport layer, or the p-type emitting layer, the conductive layer of the anode may be formed of various conductive materials. For example, the conductive layer may be formed of a material having the same work function as the cathode, such as Ca, Ca—Ag, Ca—IZO, or Mg—Ag. When the anode is formed of the same material as the cathode, a stack-type organic light emitting device in which a conductive material has a low work function may be manufactured.

[0088] Since the cathode and the anode may be formed of the same material, a stack-type organic light emitting device having a structure, as shown in FIG. 10, in which at least two unit organic light emitting devices each including an anode 71, a cathode 75, and an organic compound layer 73 interposed therebetween are connected in series, and a stack-type organic light emitting device having a similar structure to the structure mentioned above, as shown in FIG. 11, can be manufactured. In this case, the anode 71 includes a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 11, the stack-type organic light emitting device according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention is formed by stacking the cathode of a unit organic emitting device as the anode of another adjacent unit organic light emitting device. More specifically, the stack-type organic light emitting device has a structure in which a plurality of repetition units, each of which includes an organic compound layer 83 and a conductive interlayer 85 serving as the anode of a unit organic light emitting device and the cathode of an adjacent unit organic light emitting device, are stacked between an anode 81 and a cathode 87. In this stack-type organic light emitting device, the conductive interlayer 85 comprises a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer. The conductive layer is preferably formed of a transparent material having a work function close to that of the material of the cathode 87 and visible light transmittance of 50% or more. When the conductive layer is formed of a non-transparent metal, the conductive layer should be made thin so as to transmit light. Examples of the non-transparent metal include Al, Ag, Cu, Ca, Ca—Ag, and the like. Ca having a low work function may be used to form the conductive layer of the conductive interlayer 85. In particular, when Ca—IZO is used to form the conductive interlayer of the conductive interlayer 85, it is possible to improve visible light transmittance. Since luminance of the stack-type organic light emitting device increases in proportion to the number of stacked unit organic light emitting devices at the same driving voltage, when an organic light emitting device is formed in a stack type, it is possible to obtain a high-luminance organic light emitting device.

[0090] An organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is manufactured by depositing a metal or a conductive metal oxide or an alloy thereof on a substrate so as to form an anode, forming thereon an organic compound layer including a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an emitting layer, and an electron transport layer, and depositing thereon a material capable of being used as a cathode, using a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method, such as a sputtering method or an e-beam evaporation method. Also, an organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention may be manufactured by sequentially depositing a cathode material, an organic compound layer, and an anode material on a substrate (see International Patent Application No. 2003/012890).

[0091] The organic compound layer may have a multi-layer structure including the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the emitting layer, and the electron transport layer, but is not intended to limit the present invention. The organic compound layer may have a single-layer structure. Further, the organic compound layer may be formed by a solvent process, using various high-molecular-weight materials, such as spin coating, dip coating, doctor blading, screen printing, inkjet printing, and thermal transfer techniques, so as to have a smaller number of layers.

[0092] Hereinafter, individual layers constituting an organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described in detail. The material of each of the layers that will be described below may be a single material or a compound of at least two materials.

[0093] Anode

[0094] An anode injects holes into a p-type organic compound layer, such as a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, or an emitting layer. The anode includes a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer. The conductive layer contains a metal, a metal oxide, or a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer may include an electro-conductive polymer.

[0095] Since the n-type organic compound layer lowers the energy barrier for injecting holes to a p-type organic compound layer, the conductive layer may be formed of various conductive materials. For example, the conductive layer has a Fermi energy level within a range of approximately 2.5 eV to 5.5 eV. Examples of the conductive material include carbon, aluminum, calcium, vanadium, chromium, copper, zinc, silver, gold, other metals, and an alloy thereof; zinc oxides, indium oxides, tin oxides, indium tin oxides (ITO), indium zinc oxides (IZO), and metal oxides that are similar thereto; and Ca—Ag or materials having a stacked structure of a metal and a metal oxide such as Ca—IZO. When an organic light emitting device of a normal structure including an anode as a lower electrode is a top emission type, the conductive layer may be formed of not only a transparent material but also a non-transparent material having high reflectance. When an organic light emitting device of the normal structure including the anode as a lower electrode is a bottom emission type, the conductive layer should be formed of a transparent material. If the conductive layer is formed of a non-transparent material, the conductive layer should be made thin so as to transmit light. This is conversely applied to an organic light emitting device of an inverted structure including an anode as an upper electrode.

[0096] The n-type organic compound layer is interposed between the conductive layer and the p-type organic compound layer and injects holes into the p-type organic compound layer at a low electric field. The n-type organic compound layer is selected such that the energy difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer of the anode and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer of the anode is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV and the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer and an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer is approximately 1 eV or less. For example, the n-type organic compound layer has an LUMO energy level in a range of approximately 4 eV to 7 eV and electron mobility in a range of approximately 10⁻⁸ cm²/Vs to 1 cm²/Vs, preferably, approximately 10⁻⁶ cm²/Vs to 10⁻² cm²/Vs. When the electron mobility is less than approximately 10⁻⁸ cm²/Vs, it is not easy for the n-type organic compound layer to inject holes into the p-type organic compound layer.

[0097] The n-type organic compound layer may be formed of a material capable of being vacuum-deposited or a material capable of being formed into a thin film by a solution process. Examples of the material of the n-type organic compound layer are not limited thereto and include the above-mentioned materials.

[0098] Hole Injection Layer (HLT) or Hole Transport Layer (HTL)

[0099] The hole injection layer or the hole transport layer is a p-type organic compound layer interposed between the anode and the cathode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer formed on the conductive layer of the anode. Holes generated in the NP junction are transported to the emitting layer through the p-type hole injection layer or the p-type hole transport layer.

[0100] The energy difference between an HOMO energy level of the p-type hole injection layer or the p-type hole transport layer forming the NP junction and an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer is approximately 1 eV or less, and preferably, approximately 0.5 eV or less. Examples of the material of the p-type hole injection layer or the p-type hole transport layer include arylamine-based compounds, conductive polymers, or block copolymers having both a conjugated portion and an unconjugated portion, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0101] Emitting Layer (EML)

[0102] In the emitting layer, hole transport and electron transport occur at the same time. Therefore, the emitting layer may have both of n-type characteristics and p-type characteristics. For convenience, the emitting layer may be defined as the n-type emitting layer when the electron transport is rapider than the hole transport, and also defined as the p-type emitting layer when the hole transport is rapider than the electron transport.

[0103] In the n-type emitting layer, since the electron transport is rapider than the hole transport, light emission occurs in the vicinity of the interface between the hole transport layer and the emitting layer. Therefore, when an LUMO energy level of the hole transport layer is higher than an LUMO energy level of the emitting layer, higher light emission efficiency can exhibit. Examples of the material of the n-type emitting layer include aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3); 8-hydroxyquinoline beryllium (BAlq); a benzoxazole-based compound, a benzthiazol-based compound or a benzimidazole-based compound; a polyfluorene-based compound; and a silacyclopentadiene (silole)-based compound, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0104] In the p-type emitting layer, since the hole transport is rapider than the electron transport, light emission occurs in the vicinity of the interface between the electron transport layer and the emitting layer. Therefore, when an HOMO energy level of the electron transport layer is lower than an HOMO energy level of the emitting layer, higher light emission efficiency can exhibit. In a case of using the p-type emitting layer, an increase effect depending on a variation in the LUMO energy level of the hole transport layer on the light emission efficiency is smaller compared with a case of using the n-type emitting layer. Therefore, in a case of using the p-type emitting layer, an organic light emitting device having an NP junction of an n-type organic compound layer and a p-type organic compound layer can be manufactured without using the hole injection layer and the hole transport layer. Examples of the material of the p-type emitting layer include carbazole-based compounds, anthracene-based compounds, polyphenylenevinylene (PPV)-based polymers, or spiro compounds, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0105] Electron Transport Layer (ETL)

[0106] The material of the electron transport layer is preferably a material having high electron mobility to effectively receive electrons from the cathode and transport the electrons to the emitting layer. Examples of the material of the electron transport layer include aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) (Alq3), an organic compound containing an Alq3 structure, or a hydroxy flavone-metal complex compound or a silacyclopentadiene (silole)-based compound, but are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0107] Cathode

[0108] The material of the cathode is preferably a material having a low work function to easily inject electrons to the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer such as the electron transport layer. Examples of the material of the cathode include a metal, such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, titanium, indium, yttrium, lithium, gadolinium, aluminum, silver, tin, and lead, or an alloy thereof; and materials having a multi-layer structure, such as LiF/Al or LiO₂/Al. Alternatively, the cathode may be formed of the same material as the conductive layer of the anode. The cathode or the conductive layer of the anode may contain a transparent material.

[0109] Organic Solar Cell

[0110] An organic solar cell includes an anode, a cathode, and a thin organic compound layer interposed between the anode and the cathode. The thin organic compound layer includes a plurality of layers to improve the efficiency and stability of the organic solar cell. Referring to FIG. 8 , an organic solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention may be formed as follows.

• • [0111] substrate 41
  • [0112] anode 42: conductive layer 42a/n-type organic compound layer 42b
  • [0113] electron donor layer 43
  • [0114] electron acceptor layer 44
  • [0115] cathode 45

[0116] When the organic solar cell receives photons from an external light source, electrons and holes are generated between the electron donor layer 43 and the electron acceptor 44 and the generated holes are transported to the anode 42 through the electron donor layer 43. The electron donor layer 43 is formed of a p-type organic compound layer so as to form an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the anode. The p-type organic compound layer may be formed of a compound of at least two materials. An organic solar cell according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention may further include an additional thin organic compound layer or exclude a specific organic compound layer to simplify the manufacturing process. When an organic compound having various functions is used, it is possible to reduce the number of organic compound layers of the organic solar cell.

[0117] A conventional organic solar cell according transports holes to an anode along an HOMO energy level of an thin organic compound layer, such as an electron donor layer. Therefore, as the energy level difference between a Fermi energy level of the anode and an HOMO energy level of an electron donor layer decreases, more holes are extracted. However, in the organic solar cell according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, since an NP junction is formed by the n-type organic compound layer 42b of the anode and the electron donor layer 43, holes are extracted efficiently and extracted holes are injected to the conductive layer 42a through an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 42b.

[0118] The energy difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 42b of the anode and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer 42a of the anode is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV, and the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 42b and an HOMO energy level of a p-type organic compound layer, such as the electron donor layer 43, is approximately 1 eV or less. Examples of the material of the conductive layer 42a may include various materials each having different Fermi energy level. The cathode 45 and the anode 42 may be formed of the same material.

[0119] In the organic solar cell, the conductive layer 42a of the anode and the cathode 45 may be formed using the materials exemplified as the materials of the conductive layer of the anode and the cathode of the organic light emitting device. Further, the n-type organic compound layer of the organic solar cell nay be formed using the materials exemplified as the material of the n-type organic compound layer of the organic light emitting device. In the organic solar cell, the electron acceptor 44 may be formed of the materials exemplified as the material of the electron transport layer or the n-type emitting layer of the organic light emitting device or materials known as fullerene-based compounds. The electron donor layer 43 of the organic solar cell may be formed of the materials exemplified as the material of the p-type hole transport layer or the p-type emitting layer of the organic light emitting device or thiophene-based polymers.

[0120] Organic Transistor

[0121] FIG. 9 illustrates an organic transistor according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 9, an organic transistor includes a substrate 61, a source electrode 65, a drain electrode 66, a gate electrode 62, an insulating layer 63 disposed on the substrate 61 and the gate electrode 62, and a p-type organic compound layer 64 that is disposed on the insulating layer 63 and generates holes. At least one of the source electrode 65 and the drain electrode 66 includes a conductive layer 65a , 66a and an n-type organic compound layer 67 forming an NP junction together with the p-type organic compound layer 64. The energy difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 67 of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer 65a , 66a is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV. The energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer 67 of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 and an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer 64 is approximately 1 eV or less.

[0123] The n-type organic compound layer 67 of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 may extract holes from the conductive layer 65a , 66a of the source electrode 65 and inject the holes to the drain electrode 66 through the LUMO energy level. Since the NP junction is formed between the p-type organic compound layer 64 and the n-type organic compound layer 67 of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 , the holes can be smoothly transported between the source electrode 65 and the drain electrode 66 . In the invention, since the n-type organic compound layer 67 forms a portion of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 , the conductive layers 65a, 66a of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 may be formed using various material having different Fermi energy levels.

[0124] In the organic transistor according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the n-type organic compound layer 67 of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 may be formed using the materials exemplified as the material of the n-type organic compound layer of the organic light emitting device. The gate electrode 62 may be formed using the materials exemplified as the material of the anode or the cathode of the organic light emitting device.

[0125] The conductive layer 65a , 66a of the source electrode 65 or the drain electrode 66 may be formed using the materials exemplified as the material of the anode of the organic light emitting device. The p-type organic compound layer 64 may be formed using pentacene-based compounds, antradithiophene-based compounds, benzodithiophene-based compounds, thiophene-based oligomers, polythiophenes, mixed-subunitthiophene oligomers, oxy-funcionalized thiophene oligomers, or the like. The insulating layer 63 may be formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride; or a polymer such as polyimide, poly(2-vinylpyridine), poly(4-vinylphenol) or poly(methylmethacrylate).

[0126] Hereinafter, various aspects and features of the invention will be described in detail by way of examples. However, the following examples are just illustrative examples for describing various aspects and features of the invention and the scope of the invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0127] HOMO and LUMO energy levels of hexanitrile hexaazatriphenylene by UPS and UV-VIS absorption method (See Formula 1-1, HAT, Korea Patent Publication No. 2003-67773) were measured by a method disclosed in PCT/KR2005/001381. The HOMO energy level of HAT is 9.78 eV and the LUMO energy level of HAT is 6.54 eV. These levels can be changed by exciton binding energy of HAT. 6.54 eV is higher than the Fermi energy level of HAT, that is, 6.02 eV. In order to make the LUMO energy level lower than Fermi energy level, the exciton binding energy should be equal to or more than 0.52 eV. Since exciton binding energy of an organic compound is generally in a range of 0.5 eV to 1 eV, the LUMO energy level of HAT is estimated to 5.54 eV to 6.02 eV.

[0128] A glass substrate (Corning 7059 glass) was immersed in distilled water containing a detergent (Product No. 15-335-55 made by Fischer Co.) to wash the substrate with ultrasonic waves for 30 minutes. Next, washing with ultrasonic waves for 5 minutes was repeated twice by using distilled water. After the completion of washing with distilled water, washing with ultrasonic waves was carried out by using isopropyl alcohol, acetone and methanol in this order. The resultant product was dried to be used.

[0129] Organic Light Emitting Device Including Anode Having IZO—Ca Conductive Layer and HAT n-Type Organic Compound Layer

[0130] IZO was vacuum-deposited on a washed glass substrate to have a thickness of 1000 Å using a sputtering deposition apparatus and Ca was thermally vacuum-deposited thereon to have a thickness of 100 Å. As a result, a transparent IZO—Ca conductive layer having a work function of 2.6 eV was formed. Then, HAT was thermally vacuum-deposited on the formed conductive layer to have a thickness of approximately 500 Å. As a result, a transparent anode having the IZO—Ca conductive layer and the HAT n-type organic compound layer was formed. Subsequently, 4,4′-bis[N-(1-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino]biphenyl (NPB) was vacuum-deposited on the anode to have a thickness of approximately 400 Å so as to form a p-type hole transport layer. Next, Alq3 having an HOMO energy level of approximately 5.7 eV was vacuum-deposited on the p-type hole transport layer to have a thickness of approximately 300 Å so as to form an emitting layer. Then, the following compound (the HOMO energy level is approximately 5.7 eV) was vacuum-deposited on the emitting layer to have a thickness of 200 Å so as to form an electron transport layer.

[0131] Finally, lithium fluoride (LiF) was vacuum-deposited on the electron transport layer to have a thickness of 12 Å and then aluminum (Al) was vacuum-deposited thereon to have a thickness of 2500 Å so as to form a cathode. In such a manner, an organic light emitting device was completed. In the processes of manufacturing the organic light emitting device, the organic compound depositing speed was maintained at approximately 0.4 to 0.7 Å/sec, the LiF depositing speed was maintained at approximately 0.3 Å/sec, and the Ca or Al depositing speed was maintained at approximately 2 Å/sec. During deposition, the degree of vacuum in a deposition chamber was maintained at approximately 2×10⁻⁷ to 5×10⁻⁸ torr.

[0132] Organic Light Emitting Device Including Anode Having Ag—Ca Conductive Layer and HAT n-Type Organic Compound Layer

[0133] An organic light emitting device was manufactured by the same method as Example 1, except that Ag was thermally vacuum-deposited on a washed glass substrate to have a thickness of 200 Å and Ca was thermally vacuum-deposited thereon to have a thickness of 200 Å so as to form a semitransparent Ag—Ca conductive layer having a work function of 2.6 eV, instead of the transparent IZO—Ca conductive layer.

	TABLE 1
	Work	@50 mA/cm2	@100 mA/cm2
		function	Voltage	Luminance	Voltage	Luminance
	Anode	of anode	(V)	(cd/sq)	(V)	(cd/sq)
Example 1	IZO(1000 Å)	2.6 eV	5.10	1300	6.30	2663
	—Ca(100 Å)
Example 2	Ag(200 Å)	2.6 eV	4.20	500	4.80	1000
	—Ca(200 Å)

[0134] From Table 1 representing the luminance of Examples 1 and 2 depending on a current density and a voltage, it can be seen that holes are smoothly injected to the hole transport layer even though the energy difference between the LUMO energy level (approximately 5.54 eV to 6.02 eV) of the n-type organic compound layer (HAT) and the Fermi energy level (2.6 eV) of the conductive layer is 2.9 eV to 3.4 eV. This means that, in a range in which the energy difference between the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer and the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV, the current-voltage characteristic of the organic light emitting device is independent of the Fermi energy level of the conductive layer.

[0135] The luminance of the organic light emitting device according to Example 2 is lower than the luminance of the organic light emitting device according to Example 1. This is because the visible light transmittance of the Ag (200 Å)-Ca (200 Å) conductive layer is lower than IZO (1000 Å)-Ca (100 Å). Considering the visible light transmittance, it is determined that the luminance of the organic light emitting device according to Example 2 is equivalent to the luminance of a device having the conductive layer of Example 1.

[0136] The above-mentioned results of Table 1 represent that it is possible to use, as an anode of an organic light emitting device, an electrode that includes a conductive layer formed of a material having a low Fermi energy level, such as Ca, to be used as a cathode electrode; an n-type organic compound layer, in which a difference between an LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer and a Fermi energy level of the conductive layer is more than 2 eV and equal to or less than 4 eV; and a p-type organic compound layer that forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer, in which a difference between an HOMO energy level of the p-type organic compound layer and the LUMO energy level of the n-type organic compound layer is 1 eV or less. This means that it is possible to form the conductive layer of the anode and the cathode of the same material, and to realize a stack-type organic light emitting device shown in FIG. 11 in which a conductive layer of an anode and a cathode are formed of the same material.