OLED Electron Transport Layer with N-Dopant for Low Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) face challenges in achieving low operational voltages while maintaining high brightness and balanced hole and electron injection, which affects efficiency and lifetime.

Innovation Solution

An organic semiconducting material comprising an electron transport matrix compound and an electrical n-dopant is used as an electron transport layer in OLEDs, enhancing charge injection and conductivity to improve efficiency and longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

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

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

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transport layer is constructed as a composite material system combining an electron transport matrix compound with specific molecular structures (Formula I) and electrical n-dopants. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of low operational voltage and high electron mobility without requiring complex multi-layer structures, as the dopant-matrix combination inherently provides both electron transport and doping functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key parameters of the electron transport layer by selecting matrix compounds with specific reduction potentials (more positive than -2.35 V vs. Fc/Fc+) and incorporating n-dopants with appropriate doping potentials. These parameter changes enable optimized electron injection and transport, achieving low operational voltage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional electron transport layers are used in OLEDs, then device structure is simple, but electron transport capability and efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron transport capabilityVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transport layer combines electron transport matrix compounds (Formula I) with electrical n-dopants to create a composite material that provides enhanced electron transport capability. The synergistic interaction between the matrix and dopant enables high electron mobility and efficient charge transport without requiring additional complex transport layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the local properties of the electron transport layer by selecting matrix compounds with specific structural features (triazine, dibenzofuran, carbazole units) and combining them with n-dopants that provide localized electron donation. This local optimization of electronic properties enhances electron transport capability while maintaining overall layer structure simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If conventional electron transport layers are used in OLEDs, then device structure is simple, but balance between hole and electron injection is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge injection balanceVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electron transport layer is designed as a composite of matrix compound and n-dopant where the dopant provides positive charge carriers (holes) through doping, while the matrix provides electron transport pathways. This composite structure inherently balances hole and electron injection without requiring separate hole transport and electron transport layers, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The electron transport layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: electron transport, hole generation through doping, and charge balance. The n-dopant provides both holes for charge balance and facilitates electron transport through the matrix, making the single layer multi-functional and eliminating the need for additional complex layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution results in superior performance by reducing operational voltage and increasing efficiency, leading to extended battery life in mobile devices and improved performance in blue fluorescent OLEDs.

Implementation Method 1

One of well-established approaches for achieving low operational voltages and high current densities/luminances is electrical p- and/or n-doping in charge injection/charge transport layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical doping: Dopants

Implementation Method 2

especially redox doping which generates doped layers with high charge carrier concentrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox doping: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP3312895B1Organic semiconducting material comprising an electrical n-dopant and an electron transport matrix and electronic device comprising the semiconducting material
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 NOVALED GMBH
  • EP3312895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3312895B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3312895B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an organic semiconducting material and to an electronic device comprising the semiconducting material, particularly to an electroluminescent device, particularly to an organic light emitting diode (OLED), wherein the semiconducting material comprises a first electron transport matrix compound and an electrical n-dopant; the invention pertains also to a device comprising the electric device and/or the electroluminescent device, particularly to a display device, particularly to a display device comprising the OLED.