Ultraviolet photodegradation of tris(8-hydroxy-quinolinate) aluminum (Alq3) thin films studied by electron and laser stimulated desorption

Abstract Alq 3 has been the reference material used widely in the fabrication and characterization of efficient OLEDs due to its good properties as electroluminescent and electron transporting layer. Although the inclusion of these devices in commercial displays and lighting devices represents many benefits, the knowledge about the progressive loss of performance and efficiency with time for such devices is still limited. Therefore, it is an incentive to understand the mechanisms of Alq 3 degradation when it is subjected to the influence of various extrinsic factors such as UV radiation. In the present work the degradation processes of Alq 3 thin films as a result of 254 nm UV light irradiation are presented and discussed. The degradation products produced by the action of UV light were evaluated by time-of-flight mass spectrometry using electron stimulated ion desorption and laser desorption ionization techniques. Strong evidence for carboxylic acid formation after photodegradation was observed by the electron desorption technique.