Light-emitting electrochemical processes

Electrochemical processes leading to light emission are reviewed, with emph asis on aspects of this subject relevant to the understanding and optimizat ion of electrogenerated luminescence (EL) in organic thin-film materials. T he basic energetic requirements of light emission from electrochemically in itiated solution redox reactions [electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL)] are reviewed first. This review is followed by a discussion of light-emitt ing electrochemical processes that have been observed in hybrids of ionical ly conducting polymers and electronically conducting polymers. Finally, the features of EL in insulating polymers and molecular thin films are reviewe d, along with recent electrochemical and ECL studies of the small-molecule components of certain organic light-emitting diodes. These studies provide a conceptual framework for understanding and optimizing these materials and the EL process.