Semiconducting Polymer Defect Removal for OLED Lifetime
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconducting polymers used in OLEDs often contain defect groups that negatively impact device performance, even at low concentrations, leading to reduced device lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A method to treat semiconducting polymers by converting defect groups into reactive groups, forming separating groups, and selectively separating polymer chains with these groups from those without, allowing for the removal of defect-containing chains, thereby improving polymer quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If semiconducting polymers are used in OLEDs, then device flexibility and solution processing capability are improved, but device lifetime is reduced due to defect groups in the polymer chains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes polymer chains containing defect groups from the semiconducting polymer mixture. This is achieved by converting defect groups into reactive groups, forming separating groups, and selectively separating the defective chains, thereby improving device lifetime while maintaining the benefits of solution processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of defect groups by converting them into reactive groups through chemical reactions. This parameter change enables the subsequent formation of separating groups and selective separation, transforming the polymer quality without altering the fundamental solution processing capability
2Reliability
If defect-containing polymer chains are removed through chemical treatment, then device lifetime is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer mixture into two distinct components: polymer chains with defect groups and polymer chains without defect groups. This segmentation is achieved through selective chemical reactions and separation processes, allowing targeted removal of defective chains while preserving the quality polymer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances including reactive groups and separating groups that facilitate the selective identification and removal of defect-containing polymer chains. These intermediaries enable the complex separation process to proceed in a controlled and selective manner
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 process effectively reduces the proportion of defect-containing polymer chains, enhancing the stability and longevity of OLED devices by doubling the time for brightness to fall to 90% and 50% compared to untreated devices.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the polymer chains comprising a defect group to form polymer chains comprising separating groups
Implementation Method 2
separating the polymer chains comprising the separating groups from the semiconducting polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fractionating a semiconducting polymer wherein the semiconducting polymer comprises polymer chains comprising a defect group, the method comprising the steps of reacting the polymer chains comprising a defect group to form polymer chains comprising separating groups; and separating the polymer chains comprising the separating groups from the semiconducting polymer. The separating group may be a binding group X capable of binding to a solid substrate material 305, for example particulate silica.