Applications of organic light-emitting diodes in wearable electronics

Abstract

ABSTRACT Wearable electronics based on light-emitting devices have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their vast potential for application in daily life, such as wearable displays, biosignal detection and photodynamic therapy. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a class of light sources characterised by high efficiency, low driving bias, tuneable emission colours and excellent flexibility, has been extensively studied for use in wearable electronic devices. OLEDs can be applied directly to the human body as photonic skin or integrated into fibres and fabrics for smart textiles, demonstrating versatility across multiple application scenarios. In this review, we first introduce the fundamentals of OLEDs, including their working mechanisms, materials and device structures. We then summarise the applications of fibre-shaped and planar OLEDs in various types of wearable electronic devices. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future opportunities for developing high-performance wearable electronic devices based on OLEDs.