OLED Emission Layer Composition for Wavelength-Matched Ir Complexes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) face challenges in achieving optimal luminescence efficiency and color balance, particularly in terms of emission peak wavelength, photoluminescence quantum yield, radiative decay rate, and horizontal orientation ratio, which affect their performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a first and second heteroleptic organometallic compound, each represented by specific formulas, with controlled emission peak wavelength differences and specific ligand configurations, is used to form a layer in the OLED, enhancing the recombination of holes and electrons without anionic state changes, thereby improving luminescence efficiency and lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If two Iridium complexes are used in the light emitting layer, then luminescence efficiency is improved, but emission peak wavelength control and color balance become difficult to optimize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescence efficiencyVSAvoidemission peak wavelength control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying ligand structures (different L1-L6 ligands with specific atomic compositions and bonding characteristics) and their ratios in the heteroleptic Ir complexes. By changing ligand types (C^N, N^N, O^O bonding modes) and their proportions, the emission peak wavelengths are precisely controlled within 0-30nm difference, while maintaining high luminescence efficiency through optimized photoluminescence quantum yields and radiative decay rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by creating heteroleptic Ir complexes with multiple different ligands (L1-L6) coordinated to the central Ir atom. These composite molecular structures combine ligands with different electronic and steric properties, enabling simultaneous optimization of emission wavelength, quantum yield, and molecular orientation. The composite nature allows fine-tuning of photophysical properties while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If heteroleptic compounds with specific ligand configurations are used, then luminescence efficiency and lifespan are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifespanVSAvoidligand configuration control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing heteroleptic Ir complexes with specific ligand arrangements where certain ligands (L1-L6) are positioned at particular coordination sites around the Ir center. The ligands have localized functional groups with specific atomic compositions and bonding modes (C^N, N^N, O^O) that create distinct electronic environments at different parts of the complex, enabling precise control of photophysical properties while maintaining overall molecular stability and longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by systematically varying ligand structures (different L1-L6 with specific atomic compositions), bonding modes (C^N, N^N, O^O), and ligand ratios in the heteroleptic complexes. These parameter variations allow optimization of emission peak wavelength differences within 0-30nm, photoluminescence quantum yields, and radiative decay rates, achieving both high luminescence efficiency and extended device lifespan through controlled molecular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If emission peak wavelength difference is controlled within 0-30nm, then color balance is improved, but the range of可调 emission colors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor balanceVSAvoidemission color range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying ligand structures (L1-L6 with different atomic compositions and bonding modes) and their ratios to control emission peak wavelengths within the 0-30nm difference range, achieving excellent color balance. The systematic parameter optimization of ligand types (C^N, N^N, O^O bonding) and concentrations allows precise tuning while maintaining narrow emission peaks for superior color purity and balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a flexible heteroleptic Ir complex platform that can be adapted to produce different emission colors while maintaining the core 0-30nm wavelength difference constraint. The modular ligand system (L1-L6 with various bonding modes) allows the same fundamental complex structure to be tuned for different applications, achieving both color balance and adaptability through systematic ligand selection and ratio optimization.

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 composition achieves improved luminescence efficiency, external quantum efficiency, and extended lifespan by effectively recombining holes and electrons, while maintaining stable driving voltage.

Implementation Method 1

λP(Ir1) and λP(Ir2) are evaluated from photoluminescence spectra measured for each of a first film and a second film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The holes and the electrons recombine in the emission layer to produce excitons. These excitons transition from an excited state to a ground state, thereby generating light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4102590B1Composition, layer including the composition, light-emitting device including the composition, and electronic apparatus including the light-emitting device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4102590B1 patent drawing
  • EP4102590B1 patent drawing
  • EP4102590B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a composition, a layer including the composition, a light-emitting device including the composition, and an electronic apparatus including the light-emitting device, wherein the composition includes a first compound and a second compound, the first compound is an organometallic compound represented by Formula 1, the second compound is an organometallic compound represented by Formula 2, the first compound and the second compound are different from each other, |λP(Ir1) - λP(Ir2)| is in a range of 0 nm to about 30 nm, and at least one of Expressions 1 to 4 presented in the specification is satisfied. The substituents in Formulae 1 and 2 and Expressions 1 to 4 are as described in the detailed description.