OLED Hole-Transporting Polymer for Solution Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current OLED technologies face challenges in improving performance metrics such as lifespan, efficiency, and operating voltage, with existing polymers not fully satisfying these requirements, particularly in the hole-transporting layer when used in combination with an emitting layer applied from solution.

Innovation Solution

A new polymer with specific structural units, as defined by formula (I), is introduced, which enhances solubility, film-forming properties, and chemical stability, thereby improving the performance of OLEDs by incorporating these units into the main or side chain of the polymer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional polymers are used in OLED hole-transporting layers, then device assembly is simplified, but device lifetime and efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOLED lifetimeVSAvoidpolymer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymer structure by incorporating specific structural units (formula I) with adjustable parameters including aromatic rings (Ar1-Ar6), linking units (U), and bridgehead carbon configurations. These parameter changes in molecular structure directly improve hole mobility and device lifetime while maintaining processability through solution-based deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite polymer structures combining multiple aromatic ring systems (phenyl, naphthyl, anthryl groups) with specific linking units to achieve synergistic effects. This composite approach enables simultaneous improvement of lifetime, efficiency, and film-forming properties that single-structure polymers cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polymers with long chain lengths are produced, then film-forming properties improve, but solubility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilm-forming propertiesVSAvoidpolymer solubility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific local structural features (formula I units with aromatic rings and linking units) that provide localized solubility enhancement without compromising overall chain length. These local quality modifications enable long-chain polymers to maintain both solubility and film-forming capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts molecular parameters including the type of aromatic rings (Ar1-Ar6), linking units (U), and their arrangement to optimize the balance between chain length and solubility. These parameter changes allow achievement of long chain lengths (10-10,000 structural units) while maintaining adequate solubility for solution processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If polymers are applied from solution, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but chemical stability and decomposition resistance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolution-based depositionVSAvoidpolymer chemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs polymer structures that are optimized for single-use solution processing where the polymer is deposited from solution and then remains stable during device operation. The structural units (formula I) are designed to provide adequate stability for the device lifetime while maintaining solution processability during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies chemical structure parameters including the selection of aromatic rings (Ar1-Ar6), linking units (U), and bridgehead carbon configurations to achieve optimal balance between solution processability and chemical stability. These parameter changes ensure polymers can be processed from solution while resisting decomposition during device operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If polymer solubility is increased, then solution processing is improved, but molecular weight and chain length are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer solubilityVSAvoidpolymer chain length

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3642258B1Materials for electronic devices

Publication Date: 2024.04.03 MERCK PATENT GMBH

AI summary

The present application relates to a polymer containing at least one structural unit of formula (I). The polymer is suitable for use in electronic devices.