OLED Electron Transport Capping Layer for Low Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) face challenges in achieving low driving voltage and improved efficiency and lifespan characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device structure is introduced, featuring a first electrode, a second electrode, an interlayer with an emission layer and an electron transport region, and an electron transport capping layer, where one of the electron transport layers includes a first compound and the other includes a second compound or their combination, along with a metal dopant, to facilitate ohmic contact and prevent electrode aggregation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electron transport layers are used in OLEDs, then the device structure is simple, but the driving voltage is high and efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving voltageVSAvoidlayer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transport function is segmented into multiple distinct layers: an electron transport layer containing a first compound, and an electron transport capping layer containing a second compound. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions, resulting in reduced driving voltage and improved efficiency without creating an overly complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material strategies by combining different compounds with specific properties in each layer. The electron transport layer uses a first compound with particular electron mobility characteristics, while the capping layer uses a second compound with complementary properties, creating a composite structure that achieves low driving voltage and high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional electron transport layers are used in OLEDs, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the lifespan characteristics are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifespanVSAvoidlayer fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the electron transport function into separate layers with distinct compounds allows each layer to be optimized for stability and longevity. The first compound in the electron transport layer and the second compound in the capping layer are selected for their complementary stability properties, extending device lifespan while maintaining manufacturability through established deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes lifespan by carefully selecting compounds with specific molecular weight, thermal stability, and chemical stability parameters. The first and second compounds are chosen to have parameters that enhance operational stability and resistance to degradation, thereby extending device lifespan without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If single-layer electron transport structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but electron injection and transport efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron transport efficiencyVSAvoidelectron transport layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transport pathway is segmented into two functional zones: the electron transport layer for bulk electron transport and the electron transport capping layer for interface electron injection. This segmentation creates efficient electron flow pathways while maintaining a manageable layered structure that does not excessively increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electron transport capping layer acts as an intermediary between the electron transport layer and the electrode, facilitating efficient electron injection. The second compound in the capping layer is specifically selected to mediate the electron transfer process, improving overall electron transport efficiency without requiring a complex multi-component structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If conventional electrode structures are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but metal electrode swelling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidelectrode fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transport capping layer containing the second compound serves as a protective intermediary between the electrode and the electron transport layer. This capping layer prevents direct contact that could cause metal electrode swelling, thereby improving electrode stability and reliability while maintaining compatibility with conventional electrode fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material strategies by combining the second compound in the capping layer with the electrode structure. This composite approach creates a protective interface that prevents electrode degradation and swelling, enhancing reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution lowers driving voltage and enhances efficiency and lifespan by ensuring easy electron injection and transport, while preventing metal electrode swelling, thus improving the overall performance of the OLEDs.

Implementation Method 1

one of the electron transport region and the electron transport capping layer includes a first compound represented by Formula 1, and the other one includes the first compound, a second compound represented by Formula 2, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the electron transport region may further include a metal dopant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 3

to facilitate ohmic contact and prevent electrode aggregation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhmic contact formation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20220278296A1Light-emitting device and electronic apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2022.09.01 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20220278296A1 patent drawing
  • US20220278296A1 patent drawing
  • US20220278296A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a light-emitting device and an electronic apparatus including the same. The light-emitting device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; an interlayer located between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an electron transport capping layer located outside the second electrode, wherein the interlayer includes an emission layer and an electron transport region, one of the electron transport region and the electron transport capping layer includes a first compound represented by Formula 1, and the other one includes the first compound, a second compound represented by Formula 2, or a combination thereof, and the electron transport region further includes a metal dopant:wherein, Formulae 1 and 2 are the same as described in the specification.