OLED Electron Transport Layer Using Pyridine and Lithium Complex

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic electronic devices, particularly organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), face challenges in achieving high efficiency, long operational lifetimes, thermal stability, and low operating voltage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an organic metal complex of a specific formula and a compound as the electron transport layer, which comprises a mixture of 8-hydroxyquinolinolato lithium and other derivatives, to enhance charge balance and conductivity within the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional electron transport materials are used in OLEDs, then device structure is simple, but efficiency and operational lifetime are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveefficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite electron transport layers combining 8-hydroxyquinolinolato earth alkaline metal or alkali metal complexes with pyridine compounds. This composite material approach achieves superior efficiency and operational lifetime by leveraging the complementary properties of both components: the metal complex provides electron transport capability while the pyridine compound enhances charge balance and device stability, resolving the contradiction between performance improvement and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electron transport materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but power efficiency and quantum efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the electron transport layer by carefully selecting and combining specific compounds with defined molecular structures and chemical properties. By changing the chemical parameters of the electron transport materials (using 8-hydroxyquinolinolato metal complexes combined with pyridine compounds), the device achieves enhanced power efficiency and quantum efficiency while maintaining feasible manufacturing processes through established vacuum deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If standard electron transport layers are used, then device complexity is low, but thermal stability and operational lifetime are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational lifetimeVSAvoidelectron transport layer composition

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pyridine compound acts as an intermediary material in the electron transport layer, mediating between the 8-hydroxyquinolinolato metal complex and other device components. This intermediary role enhances charge balance, improves thermal stability, and extends operational lifetime by facilitating efficient charge transport and reducing degradation mechanisms, while the overall layer structure remains manageable through the use of well-defined molecular compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Power

If conventional materials are used in electron transport layer, then operating voltage is high, but device performance is acceptable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating voltageVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces operating voltage by changing the electrical parameters of the electron transport layer through the use of 8-hydroxyquinolinolato earth alkaline metal or alkali metal complexes combined with pyridine compounds. These material parameter changes optimize electron mobility and energy level alignment, enabling efficient electron injection and transport at lower voltages while simultaneously enhancing overall device performance including efficiency and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration results in OLEDs with superior lifetime, power efficiency, quantum efficiency, and reduced operating voltage, demonstrating improved performance compared to devices without this specific electron transport layer.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge transport: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10950798B2Organic electronic devices comprising a layer of a pyridine compound and a 8-hydroxypquinolinolato earth alkaline metal, or alkali metal complex

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 UDC IRELAND

AI summary

The present invention provides an organic electronic device including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the organic layer comprises an organic metal complex of formulaand a compound of formulaOrganic light emitting devices (OLEDs) having superior life time, power efficiency, quantum efficiency and/or a low operating voltage are obtained, when the organic layer comprising the compounds of formula I and II constitutes the electron transport layer of an OLED.