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Understanding molecular fragmentation in blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices

Journal Article · · Organic Electronics
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [2];  [3];  [3];  [2]
  1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States); University of Michigan
  2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
  3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)

We investigate molecular fragmentation in the long lived archetype blue PHOLED guest/host system based on iridium (III) tris[3-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-7-methylimidazo[1,2-f] phenanthridine] (Ir(dmp)3) and 3,3'-di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl (mCBP) as a function of luminance loss using laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The blue phosphor experiences significant ligand loss due to its labile Ir-ligand bonds, whereas the mCBP host is relatively stable as the luminance decays to 40% of its initial value at 3000 cd/m2. Density functional theory calculations indicate that fragments from mCBP are less likely to cause luminance loss via exciton quenching compared to those of the Ir-complex. Phosphor fragments are observed by XPS only in aged samples, and the concentration of fragments is found to increase with aging time. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the lifetime of blue PHOLEDs can be improved by using phosphors without labile Ir-ligand and intra-ligand bonds, and a host material that does not form large mass fragments or complexes with the degraded phosphor molecules. Insights into the origin of the loss in luminance of this guest/host system during use are discussed.

Research Organization:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office; Universal Display Corporation; Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0007077
OSTI ID:
1735853
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1614016
OSTI ID: 1637102
Journal Information:
Organic Electronics, Journal Name: Organic Electronics Vol. 64; ISSN 1566-1199
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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