Composite Hole Injection Layer for Stable, Efficient OLED Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs, face challenges in achieving improved voltage stability over time and higher efficiency due to the performance limitations of their organic semiconductor layers, particularly the hole injection layer.

Innovation Solution

The use of a hole injection layer comprising a specific metal complex of formula (I) and a compound of formula (II) arranged between the anode and the emission layer, which are designed to enhance charge injection and transport, thereby improving the device's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a conventional hole injection layer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the luminance and efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveluminanceVSAvoidhole injection layer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hole injection layer is constructed as a composite material system combining a metal complex (formula I) with specific ligands (formula II) and auxiliary compounds. This composite structure enables synergistic effects where the metal complex provides high hole injection capability while the ligands contribute to thermal stability and solubility, achieving high luminance without excessive device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters of the metal complex including the metal center (Ir, Pt, Os), oxidation state (+3), coordination geometry (octahedral), and ligand field strength. These parameter changes enable tuning of the hole injection properties to achieve maximum luminance output while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the operating lifetime is extended, then the stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating lifetimeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs organometallic complexes with relatively simple synthesis routes and commercially available precursors. The manufacturing process uses standard vacuum deposition and solution processing techniques, avoiding complex multi-step syntheses. This approach achieves long operating lifetime while keeping manufacturing complexity at acceptable levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces auxiliary compounds (formulas III-V) as intermediaries that facilitate the formation of stable hole injection layers. These compounds act as mediators between the metal complex and the anode, improving interfacial stability and extending operating lifetime without requiring complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the metal complex concentration is increased to improve hole injection, then the hole injection capability improves, but the color purity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole injection capabilityVSAvoidcolor purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local quality differentiation by using the metal complex (formula I) specifically at the anode interface where high hole injection is needed, while the emission layers maintain their own distinct compositions for color purity. This spatial separation of functions allows high metal complex concentration at the interface without compromising overall device color purity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The hole injection layer is segmented into multiple functional components: the metal complex (formula I) for hole injection, ligands (formula II) for stability, and auxiliary compounds (formulas III-V) for optimization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining hole injection capability while preserving color purity through careful component selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed configuration results in superior voltage stability and efficiency, surpassing conventional devices by providing enhanced operational characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

wherein the organic electronic device comprises a substrate, an anode layer, a cathode layer, at least one first emission layer, and a hole injection layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4406387B1An organic electronic device comprising a substrate, an anode layer, a cathode layer, at least one first emission layer, and a hole injection layer, wherein the hole injection layer comprises a metal complex of formula (i) and a compound of formula (II), wherein the hole injection layer is arranged between the anode layer and the at least one first emission layer
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 NOVALED GMBH
  • EP4406387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4406387B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4406387B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an organic electronic device comprising a substrate, an anode layer, a cathode layer, at least one first emission layer, and a hole injection layer, wherein the hole injection layer comprises a metal complex of formula (I) and a compound of formula (II), wherein the hole injection layer is arranged between the anode layer and the at least one first emission layer.