Three-dimensional graphene foam-based transparent conductive electrodes in GaN-based blue light-emitting diodes

Abstract

We demonstrated three-dimensional (3D) graphene foam-based transparent conductive electrodes in GaN-based blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A 3D graphene foam structure grown on 3D Cu foam using a chemical vapor deposition method was transferred onto a p-GaN layer of blue LEDs. Optical and electrical performances were greatly enhanced by employing 3D graphene foam as transparent conductive electrodes in blue LED devices, which were analyzed by electroluminescence measurements, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and light intensity-current-voltage testing. The forward operating voltage and the light output power at an injection current of 100 mA of the GaN-based blue LEDs with a graphene foam-based transparent conductive electrode were improved by ∼26% and ∼14%, respectively. The robustness, high transmittance, and outstanding conductivity of 3D graphene foam show great potentials for advanced transparent conductive electrodes in optoelectronic devices.