U.S. patent application number 12/101517 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for electrically conductive polymer compositions.
Invention is credited to CHE-HSIUNG HSU, Hjalti Skulason.
Application Number | 20080251768 12/101517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39852881 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080251768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HSU; CHE-HSIUNG ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS
Abstract
The present invention relates to electrically conductive polymer
compositions, and their use in organic electronic devices. The
electrically conductive polymer compositions include (i) an
intrinsically conductive polymer having at least one monomer unit
which is a pyridine-fused heteroaromatic and (ii) a fluorinated
acid polymer.
Inventors: |
HSU; CHE-HSIUNG;
(Wilmington, DE) ; Skulason; Hjalti; (Bueltton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY;LEGAL PATENT RECORDS CENTER
BARLEY MILL PLAZA 25/1122B, 4417 LANCASTER PIKE
WILMINGTON
DE
19805
US
|
Family ID: |
39852881 |
Appl. No.: |
12/101517 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60911670 |
Apr 13, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
252/500 ;
528/271; 528/360; 528/373; 528/423 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08L 27/12 20130101;
H01B 1/128 20130101; H01B 1/122 20130101; C08L 41/00 20130101; C08L
79/04 20130101; C08L 79/04 20130101; C08L 2666/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/500 ;
528/423; 528/373; 528/360; 528/271 |
International
Class: |
H01B 1/12 20060101
H01B001/12; C08G 73/00 20060101 C08G073/00 |
Claims
1. A polymer composition comprising: at least one intrinsically
conductive polymer having at least one monomer unit comprising a
pyridine-fused heteroaromatic; and at least one fluorinated acid
polymer.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the conductive polymer is
made from at least one monomer having Formula I or Formula II:
##STR00013## wherein: R.sub.1 through R.sub.3 are independently
selected so as to be the same or different at each occurrence and
are hydrogen or a substituent group selected from the group
consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy,
alkylthioalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amino, alkylamino,
dialkylamino, aryl, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl,
arylthio, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, acrylic acid,
phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl,
epoxy, silane, siloxane, alcohol, benzyl, carboxylate, ether, ether
carboxylate, amidosulfonate, ether sulfonate, ether sulfonic acid,
ether sulfonimide, ester sulfonate, and urethane; or adjacent R
groups together may form an alkylene or alkenylene chain completing
a 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7-membered aromatic or alicyclic ring, which ring
may optionally include one or more divalent nitrogen, sulfur,
selenium, tellurium, or oxygen atoms, wherein any of the
substituent groups may be fluorinated; Q is NR', S, Se or Te; and
R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, alkanoyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl,
amino, epoxy, silane, siloxane, alcohol, benzyl, carboxylate,
ether, ether carboxylate, ether sulfonate, ester sulfonate, and
urethane.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid polymer
has a fluorinated olefin backbone and pendant groups selected from
the group consisting of fluorinated ether sulfonate, fluorinated
ester sulfonate, fluorinated ether sulfonimide, and combinations
thereof.
4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the sulfonimide has Formula
IX: ##STR00014## where: R.sub.f is selected from fluorinated
alkylene, fluorinated heteroalkylene, fluorinated arylene, and
fluorinated heteroarylene; and n is at least 4.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid polymer
comprises a fluorinated polymer backbone and a side chain having
Formula X: ##STR00015## where: R.sup.15 is a fluorinated alkylene
group or a fluorinated heteroalkylene group; R.sup.16 is a
fluorinated alkyl or a fluorinated aryl group; and a is 0 or an
integer from 1 to 4.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid polymer
is selected from the group consisting of a copolymer of
1,1-difluoroethylene and
2-(2,2-difluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)allyloxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethan-
esulfonic acid; a copolymer of ethylene and
2-(2-(1,2,2-trifluorovinyloxy)-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy)-1,1,2,2-tet-
rafluoroethanesulfonic acid; and combinations thereof.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid polymer
is a homopolymer or copolymer of monomers having Formula VII:
##STR00016## where: b is an integer from 1 to 5, R.sup.13 is OH or
NHR.sup.14, and R.sup.14 is alkyl, fluoroalkyl, sulfonylalkyl, or
sulfonylfluoroalkyl.
8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the polymer or copolymer is
derived from at least one monomer SFS or SFSI: ##STR00017## wherein
the polymer can be converted to the acid form following
polymerization.
9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid polymer
is a homopolymer or copolymer derived from one or more monomers
having Formula VIII: ##STR00018## where: W is selected from
(CF.sub.2).sub.b, O(CF.sub.2).sub.b, S(CF.sub.2).sub.b,
(CF.sub.2).sub.bO(CF.sub.2).sub.b, b is independently an integer
from 1 to 5, R.sup.13 is OH or NHR.sup.14, and R.sup.14 is alkyl,
fluoroalkyl, sulfonylalkyl, or sulfonylfluoroalkyl.
10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid
polymer has Formula XI: ##STR00019## where: R.sup.16 is a
fluorinated alkyl or a fluorinated aryl group; a, b, c, d, and e
are each independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; and n is at
least 4.
11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated acid
polymer has Formula XII: ##STR00020## wherein d is 0, 1, or 2;
R.sup.17 to R.sup.20 are independently H, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy
of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, Y, C(R.sub.f'')(R.sub.f'')OR.sup.21,
R.sup.4Y or OR.sup.4Y; Y is COE.sup.2, SO.sub.2 E.sup.2, or
sulfonimide; R.sup.21 is hydrogen or an acid-labile protecting
group; R.sub.f'' is the same or different at each occurrence and is
a fluoroalkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or taken together are
(CF.sub.2).sub.e where e is 2 to 10; R.sup.4 is an alkylene group;
E.sup.2 is OH, halogen, or OR.sup.5; and R.sup.5 is an alkyl group;
with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.17 to R.sup.20 is Y,
R.sup.4Y or OR.sup.4Y. R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.17 to R.sup.20
may optionally be substituted by halogen or ether oxygen.
12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the fluorinated acid
polymer has at least one monomer unit having Formula XIIa:
##STR00021## R.sup.17 to R.sup.20 are independently H, halogen,
alkyl or alkoxy of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, Y,
C(R.sub.f')(R.sub.f')OR.sup.21, R.sup.4Y or OR.sup.4Y; Y is
COE.sup.2, SO.sub.2 E.sup.2, or sulfonimide; R.sup.21 is hydrogen
or an acid-labile protecting group; R.sub.f' is the same or
different at each occurrence and is a fluoroalkyl group of 1 to 10
carbon atoms, or taken together are (CF.sub.2).sub.e where e is 2
to 10; R.sup.4 is an alkylene group; E.sup.2 is OH, halogen, or
OR.sup.5; and R.sup.5 is an alkyl group; with the proviso that at
least one of R.sup.17 to R.sup.20 is Y, R.sup.4Y or OR.sup.4Y.
R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.17 to R.sup.20 may optionally be
substituted by halogen or ether oxygen.
13. An electronic device comprising at least one buffer layer
comprising the polymer composition of claim 1.
14. An intrinsically conductive polymer made from at least one
monomer having Formula I or Formula II: ##STR00022## wherein:
R.sub.1 through R.sub.3 are independently selected so as to be the
same or different at each occurrence and are hydrogen or a
substituent group selected from the group consisting of alkyl,
alkenyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl,
alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, aryl,
alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylthio, arylsulfinyl,
alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, acrylic acid, phosphoric acid,
phosphonic acid, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, epoxy, silane,
siloxane, alcohol, benzyl, carboxylate, ether, ether carboxylate,
amidosulfonate, ether sulfonate, ether sulfonic acid, ether
sulfonimide, ester sulfonate, and urethane; or adjacent R groups
together may form an alkylene or alkenylene chain completing a 3,
4, 5, 6, or 7-membered aromatic or alicyclic ring, which ring may
optionally include one or more divalent nitrogen, sulfur, selenium,
tellurium, or oxygen atoms, wherein any of the substituent groups
may be fluorinated; Q is NR', S, Se or Te; and R' is selected from
the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkanoyl,
alkylthioalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amino, epoxy, silane,
siloxane, alcohol, benzyl, carboxylate, ether, ether carboxylate,
ether sulfonate, ester sulfonate, and urethane.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates in general to electrically
conductive polymer compositions, and their use in organic
electronic devices.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Organic electronic devices define a category of products
that include an active layer. Such devices convert electrical
energy into radiation, detect signals through electronic processes,
convert radiation into electrical energy, or include one or more
organic semiconductor layers.
[0003] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are an organic
electronic device comprising an organic layer capable of
electroluminescence. OLEDs containing conducting polymers can have
the following configuration:
[0004] anode/buffer layer/EL material/cathode
[0005] The anode is typically any material that is transparent and
has the ability to inject holes into the EL material, such as, for
example, indium/tin oxide (ITO). The anode is optionally supported
on a glass or plastic substrate. EL materials include fluorescent
compounds, fluorescent and phosphorescent metal complexes,
conjugated polymers, and mixtures thereof. The cathode is typically
any material (such as, e.g., Ca or Ba) that has the ability to
inject electrons into the EL material.
[0006] The buffer layer is typically an electrically conducting
polymer and facilitates the injection of holes from the anode into
the EL material layer. Typical conducting polymers employed as
buffer layers include polyaniline and polydioxythiophenes such as
poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDT). These materials can be
prepared by polymerizing aniline or dioxythiophene monomers in
aqueous solution in the presence of a water soluble polymeric acid,
such as poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PSS), as described in, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,575.
[0007] The aqueous electrically conductive polymer dispersions
synthesized with water soluble polymeric sulfonic acids have
undesirable low pH levels. The low pH can contribute to decreased
stress life of an EL device containing such a buffer layer, and
contribute to corrosion within the device.
[0008] Electrically conducting polymers which have the ability to
carry a high current when subjected to a low electrical voltage,
also have utility as electrodes for electronic devices, such as
thin film field effect transistors. In such transistors, an organic
semiconducting film which has high mobility for electron and/or
hole charge carriers, is present between source and drain
electrodes. A gate electrode is on the opposite side of the
semiconducting polymer layer. To be useful for the electrode
application, the electrically conducting polymers and the liquids
for dispersing or dissolving the electrically conducting polymers
have to be compatible with the semiconducting polymers and the
solvents for the semiconducting polymers to avoid re-dissolution of
either conducting polymers or semiconducting polymers. Many
conductive polymers have conductivities which are too low for use
as electrodes.
[0009] Thus, there is a continuing need for electrically conductive
polymer compositions having improved physical and electrical
properties.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] There is provided an electrically conductive polymer
composition, comprising (i) an intrinsically conductive polymer
having at least one monomer unit comprising a pyridine-fused
heteroaromatic, and (ii) a fluorinated acid polymer.
[0011] In another embodiment, there is provided an aqueous
dispersion of the above conductive polymer and a fluorinated acid
polymer.
[0012] In another embodiment, there is provided a method for
producing an electrically conductive polymer composition, said
method comprising forming a combination of water, at least one
precursor monomer having at least one monomer unit comprising a
pyridine-fused heteroaromatic, at least one fluorinated acid
polymer, an oxidizing agent, and a catalyst, in any order, provided
that at least a portion of the fluorinated acid polymer is present
when the conductive monomers are added or when the oxidizing agent
is added.
[0013] In another embodiment, electronic devices comprising at
least one layer comprising the new conductive polymer composition
are provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an organic electronic
device.
[0015] The figure(s) are provided by way of example and are not
intended to limit the invention.
[0016] The foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention, as defined in the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In one embodiment, there is provided an electrically
conductive polymer composition, comprising an intrinsically
conductive polymer and a fluorinated acid polymer.
[0018] Many aspects and embodiments have been described above and
are merely exemplary and not limiting. After reading this
specification, skilled artisans appreciate that other aspects and
embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0019] Other features and benefits of any one or more of the
embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed
description, and from the claims. The detailed description first
addresses Definitions and Clarification of Terms followed by the
Conductive Precursor Monomer, the Non-Conductive Precursor Monomer,
the Fluorinated Acid Polymer, the Preparation of Conductive
Compositions, Buffer Layers, Electronic Devices, and finally
Examples.
1. Definitions and Clarification of Terms
[0020] As used herein, the term "polymer" refers to a polymer or
oligomer having at least 3 repeat units. The term includes
homopolymers and copolymers. The term "intrinsically conductive"
refers to a material which is capable of electrical conductivity
without the addition of carbon black or conductive metal particles.
In some embodiments, the intrinsically conductive polymer will form
a film which has a conductivity of at least 10.sup.-6 S/cm. In some
embodiments, the intrinsically conductive polymer is conductive in
a protonated form and not conductive in an unprotonated form.
[0021] The term "pyridine-fused heteroaromatic" refers to compound
having a pyridine ring fused to a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring.
In some embodiments, the 5-membered heteroaromatic ring has a
heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, S, Se and
Te.
[0022] The term "fluorinated acid polymer" refers to a polymer
having groups with acidic protons, and where at least one of the
hydrogens bonded to carbon in the polymer has been replaced by
fluorine. The term "acidic group" refers to a group capable of
ionizing to donate a hydrogen ion to a Bronsted base to form a
salt.
[0023] The conductive polymers suitable for the new composition are
made from at least one monomer. Monomers which, when polymerized
alone form homopolymers which are intrinsically conductive, are
referred to as "conductive precursor monomers." Monomers which,
when polymerized alone form homopolymers which are not
intrinsically conductive, are referred to as "non-conductive
precursor monomers." The conductive polymers suitable for the new
composition can be homopolymers or copolymers. The copolymers can
be made from two or more conductive precursor monomers or from a
combination of one or more conductive precursor monomers and one or
more non-conductive precursor monomers. The term "two or more
monomers" refers to two or more separate monomers that can be
polymerized together directly, and to two or more different
monomers that are reacted to form a single intermediate monomer,
and then polymerized.
[0024] In one embodiment, the intrinsically conductive polymer is a
copolymer of at least one first conductive precursor monomer which
is a pyridine-fused heteroaromatic, and at least one second
conductive precursor monomer which is different from the first
conductive precursor monomer. In one embodiment, the intrinsically
conductive polymer is prepared by the oxidative polymerization of
one or more conductive precursor monomers.
2. Conductive Precursor Monomers
[0025] The conductive polymer is made from at least one conductive
precursor monomer having Formula I or Formula II below:
##STR00001##
[0026] wherein:
[0027] R.sub.1 through R.sub.3 are independently selected so as to
be the same or different at each occurrence and are hydrogen or a
substituent group selected from the group consisting of alkyl,
alkenyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl,
alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, aryl,
alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylthio, arylsulfinyl,
alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, acrylic acid, phosphoric acid,
phosphonic acid, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxyl, epoxy, silane,
siloxane, alcohol, benzyl, carboxylate, ether, ether carboxylate,
amidosulfonate, ether sulfonate, ether sulfonic acid, ether
sulfonimide, ester sulfonate, and urethane; or adjacent R groups
together may form an alkylene or alkenylene chain completing a 3,
4, 5, 6, or 7-membered aromatic or alicyclic ring, which ring may
optionally include one or more divalent nitrogen, sulfur, selenium,
tellurium, or oxygen atoms, wherein any of the substituent groups
may be fluorinated;
[0028] Q is NR', S, Se or Te; and
[0029] R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,
alkenyl, aryl, alkanoyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl,
amino, epoxy, silane, siloxane, alcohol, benzyl, carboxylate,
ether, ether carboxylate, ether sulfonate, ester sulfonate, and
urethane.
[0030] In some embodiments, one or more of the R groups is a
fluorinated ether sulfonic acid or sulfonimide. In some
embodiments, it is perfluorinated. In some embodiments, the R group
is --O(CF.sub.2).sub.aO(CF.sub.2).sub.bR'', where a and b are the
same or different and are an integer from 0-5, with the proviso
that at least one of a and b is non-zero, and R'' is sulfonic acid
or sulfonimide. In some embodiments, R has one of the structures
below:
##STR00002##
[0031] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a group derived
from an aliphatic hydrocarbon and includes linear, branched and
cyclic groups which may be unsubstituted or substituted. The term
"heteroalkyl" is intended to mean an alkyl group, wherein one or
more of the carbon atoms within the alkyl group has been replaced
by another atom, such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and the like.
The term "alkylene" refers to an alkyl group having two points of
attachment.
[0032] As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to a group derived
from an aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least one carbon-carbon
double bond, and includes linear, branched and cyclic groups which
may be unsubstituted or substituted. The term "heteroalkenyl" is
intended to mean an alkenyl group, wherein one or more of the
carbon atoms within the alkenyl group has been replaced by another
atom, such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and the like. The term
"alkenylene" refers to an alkenyl group having two points of
attachment.
[0033] As used herein, the following terms for substituent groups
refer to the formulae given below:
[0034] "alcohol"-R.sup.3--OH
[0035] "amido" --R.sup.3--C(O)N(R.sup.6)R.sup.6
[0036] "amidosulfonate" --R.sup.3--C(O)N(R.sup.6)R.sup.4--
SO.sub.3Z
[0037] "benzyl" --CH.sub.2--C.sub.6H.sub.5
[0038] "carboxylate" --R.sup.3--C(O)O-Z or --R.sup.3--O--C(O)-Z
[0039] "ether" --R.sup.3--(O--R.sup.5).sub.p--O--R.sup.5
[0040] "ether carboxylate" --R.sup.3--O--R.sup.4--C(O)O-Z or
--R.sup.3--O--R.sup.4--O--C(O)-Z
[0041] "ether sulfonate" --R.sup.3--O--R.sup.4--SO.sub.3Z
[0042] "ester sulfonate" --R.sup.3--O--C(O)--R.sup.4--SO.sub.3Z
[0043] "sulfonimide" --R.sup.3--SO.sub.2--NH--SO.sub.2--R.sup.5
[0044] "urethane" --R.sup.3--O--C(O)--N(R.sup.6).sub.2
[0045] where all "R" groups are the same or different at each
occurrence and:
[0046] R.sup.3 is a single bond or an alkylene group
[0047] R.sup.4 is an alkylene group
[0048] R.sup.5 is an alkyl group
[0049] R.sup.6 is hydrogen or an alkyl group
[0050] p is 0 or an integer from 1 to 20
[0051] Z is H, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, N(R.sup.5).sub.4
or R.sup.5
[0052] Any of the above groups may further be unsubstituted or
substituted, and any group may have F substituted for one or more
hydrogens, including perfluorinated groups. In one embodiment, the
alkyl and alkylene groups have from 1-20 carbon atoms.
[0053] In some embodiments, the intrinsically conductive polymer is
a homopolymer of a monomer having Formula I or Formula II.
[0054] In some embodiments, the intrinsically conductive polymer is
a copolymer of a first conductive precursor monomer having Formula
I or Formula II, and at least one second conductive precursor
monomer, which is different from the first conductive precursor
monomer. In some embodiments, the second conductive precursor
monomer has Formula I or Formula II. In some embodiments, the first
conductive precursor monomer has Formula I and the second
conductive precursor monomer has Formula II. In some embodiments,
the second conductive precursor monomer is selected from the group
consisting of thiophenes, selenophenes, tellurophenes, pyrroles,
anilines, and polycyclic aromatics. The term "polycyclic aromatic"
refers to compounds having more than one aromatic ring. The rings
may be joined by one or more bonds, or they may be fused together.
The term "aromatic ring" is intended to include heteroaromatic
rings. A "polycyclic heteroaromatic" compound has at least one
heteroaromatic ring.
3. Non-Conductive Precursor Monomers
[0055] In one embodiment, the intrinsically conductive polymer is a
copolymer of at least one conductive precursor monomer having
Formula I or Formula II, as described above, and at least one
non-conductive precursor monomer. Any type of non-conductive
precursor monomer can be used, so long as it does not detrimentally
affect the desired properties of the copolymer. In one embodiment,
the non-conductive precursor monomer comprises no more than 50%,
based on the total number of monomer units. In one embodiment, the
non-conductive precursor monomer comprises no more than 30%, based
on the total number of monomer units. In one embodiment, the
non-conductive precursor monomer comprises no more than 10%, based
on the total number of monomer units.
[0056] Exemplary types non-conductive precursor monomers include,
but are not limited to, alkenyl, alkynyl, arylene, and
heteroarylene. Examples of non-conductive monomers include, but are
not limited to, fluorene, oxadiazole, thiadiazole,
benzothiadiazole, phenylenevinylene, phenyleneethynylene, pyridine,
diazines, and triazines, all of which may be further
substituted.
[0057] In one embodiment, the copolymers are made by first forming
an intermediate precursor monomer having the structure A-B-C, where
A and C represent conductive precursor monomers, which can be the
same or different, and B represents a non-conductive precursor
monomer. The A-B-C intermediate precursor monomer can be prepared
using standard synthetic organic techniques, such as Yamamoto,
Stille, Grignard metathesis, Suzuki, and Negishi couplings. The
copolymer is then formed by oxidative polymerization of the
intermediate precursor monomer alone, or with one or more
additional conductive precursor monomers.
4. Fluorinated Acid Polymer
[0058] The fluorinated acid polymer can be any polymer which is
fluorinated and has groups with acidic protons. As used herein, the
term "fluorinated" means that at least one hydrogen bonded to a
carbon has been replaced with a fluorine. The term includes
partially and fully fluorinated materials. In one embodiment, the
fluorinated acid polymer is highly fluorinated. The term "highly
fluorinated" means that at least 50% of the available hydrogens
bonded to a carbon, have been replaced with fluorine. The group
having an acidic proton, is hereinafter referred to as an "acidic
group." In one embodiment, the acidic group has a pKa of less than
3. In one embodiment, the acidic group has a pKa of less than 0. In
one embodiment, the acidic group has a pKa of less than -5. The
acidic group can be attached directly to the polymer backbone, or
it can be attached to side chains on the polymer backbone. Examples
of acidic groups include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acid
groups, sulfonic acid groups, sulfonimide groups, phosphoric acid
groups, phosphonic acid groups, and combinations thereof. The
acidic groups can all be the same, or the polymer may have more
than one type of acidic group.
[0059] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is
water-soluble.
[0060] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is
dispersible in water.
[0061] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is organic
solvent wettable. The term "organic solvent wettable" refers to a
material which, when formed into a film, is wettable by organic
solvents. The term also includes polymeric acids which are not
film-forming alone, but which form an electrically conductive
polymer composition which is wettable. In one embodiment, wettable
materials form films which are wettable by phenylhexane with a
contact angle no greater than 40.degree.. The methods for measuring
contact angles are well known.
[0062] In one embodiment, the polymer backbone is fluorinated.
Examples of suitable polymeric backbones include, but are not
limited to, polyolefins, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates,
polyimides, polyamides, polyaramids, polyacrylamides, polystyrenes,
and copolymers thereof. In one embodiment, the polymer backbone is
highly fluorinated. In one embodiment, the polymer backbone is
fully fluorinated.
[0063] In one embodiment, the acidic groups are selected from
sulfonic acid groups and sulfonimide groups. A sulfonimide group
has the formula:
--SO.sub.2--NH--SO.sub.2--R
where R is an alkyl group.
[0064] In one embodiment, the acidic groups are on a fluorinated
side chain. In one embodiment, the fluorinated side chains are
selected from alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, amido groups, ether
groups, and combinations thereof.
[0065] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer has a
fluorinated olefin backbone, with pendant fluorinated ether
sulfonate, fluorinated ester sulfonate, or fluorinated ether
sulfonimide groups. In one embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer
of 1,1-difluoroethylene and
2-(1,1-difluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)allyloxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesul-
fonic acid. In one embodiment, the polymer is a copolymer of
ethylene and
2-(2-(1,2,2-trifluorovinyloxy)-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropoxy)-1,1,2,2-tet-
rafluoroethanesulfonic acid. These copolymers can be made as the
corresponding sulfonyl fluoride polymer and then can be converted
to the sulfonic acid form.
[0066] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is
homopolymer or copolymer of a fluorinated and partially sulfonated
poly(arylene ether sulfone). The copolymer can be a block
copolymer. Examples of comonomers include, but are not limited to
butadiene, butylene, isobutylene, styrene, and combinations
thereof.
[0067] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is a
homopolymer or copolymer of monomers having Formula VIII:
##STR00003##
[0068] where:
[0069] b is an integer from 1 to 5,
[0070] R.sup.13 is OH or NHR.sup.14, and
[0071] R.sup.14 is alkyl, fluoroalkyl, sulfonylalkyl, or
sulfonylfluoroalkyl.
[0072] In one embodiment, the monomer is "SFS" or SFSI" shown
below:
##STR00004##
[0073] After polymerization, the polymer can be converted to the
acid form.
[0074] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is a
homopolymer or copolymer of a trifluorostyrene having acidic
groups. In one embodiment, the trifluorostyrene monomer has Formula
VIII:
##STR00005##
[0075] where:
[0076] W is selected from (CF.sub.2).sub.b, O(CF.sub.2).sub.b,
S(CF.sub.2).sub.b, (CF.sub.2).sub.bO(CF.sub.2).sub.b,
[0077] b is independently an integer from 1 to 5,
[0078] R.sup.13 is OH or NHR.sup.14, and
[0079] R.sup.14 is alkyl, fluoroalkyl, sulfonylalkyl, or
sulfonylfluoroalkyl.
[0080] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is a
sulfonimide polymer having Formula IX:
##STR00006##
[0081] where:
[0082] R.sup.f is selected from fluorinated alkylene, fluorinated
heteroalkylene, fluorinated arylene, and fluorinated heteroarylene;
and
[0083] n is at least 4.
[0084] In one embodiment of Formula IX, R.sub.f is a perfluoroalkyl
group. In one embodiment, R.sub.f is a perfluorobutyl group. In one
embodiment, R.sub.f contains ether oxygens. In one embodiment n is
greater than 10.
[0085] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer comprises a
fluorinated polymer backbone and a side chain having Formula X:
##STR00007##
[0086] where:
[0087] R.sup.15 is a fluorinated alkylene group or a fluorinated
heteroalkylene group;
[0088] R.sup.16 is a fluorinated alkyl or a fluorinated aryl group;
and
[0089] a is 0 or an integer from 1 to 4.
[0090] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer has Formula
XI:
##STR00008##
[0091] where:
[0092] R.sup.16 is a fluorinated alkyl or a fluorinated aryl
group;
[0093] c is independently 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; and
[0094] n is at least 4.
[0095] The synthesis of fluorinated acid polymers has been
described in, for example, A. Feiring et al., J. Fluorine Chemistry
2000, 105, 129-135; A. Feiring et al., Macromolecules 2000, 33,
9262-9271; D. D. Desmarteau, J. Fluorine Chem. 1995, 72, 203-208;
A. J. Appleby et al., J. Electrochem. Soc. 1993, 140(1), 109-111;
and Desmarteau, U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,005.
[0096] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer comprises at
least one repeat unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated
compound having the structure (XII):
##STR00009##
[0097] wherein d is 0, 1, or 2; [0098] R.sup.17 to R.sup.20 are
independently H, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy of 1 to 10 carbon atoms,
Y, C(R.sub.f')(R.sub.f')OR.sup.21, R.sup.4Y or OR.sup.4Y; [0099] Y
is COE.sup.2, SO.sub.2 E.sup.2, or sulfonimide; [0100] R.sup.21 is
hydrogen or an acid-labile protecting group; [0101] R.sub.f' is the
same or different at each occurrence and is a fluoroalkyl group of
1 to 10 carbon atoms, or taken together are (CF.sub.2).sub.e where
e is 2 to 10; [0102] R.sup.4 is an alkylene group; [0103] E.sup.2
is OH, halogen, or OR.sup.5; and [0104] R.sup.5 is an alkyl group;
[0105] with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.17 to R.sup.20
is Y, R.sup.4Y or OR.sup.4Y. [0106] R.sup.4, R.sup.5, and R.sup.17
to R.sup.20 may optionally be substituted by halogen or ether
oxygen.
[0107] Some illustrative, but nonlimiting, examples of
representative monomers of structure (XII) are presented below:
##STR00010##
[0108] wherein R.sup.21 is a group capable of forming or
rearranging to a tertiary cation, more typically an alkyl group of
1 to 20 carbon atoms, and most typically t-butyl.
[0109] Compounds of structure (XII) wherein d=0, structure (XII-a),
may be prepared by the cycloaddition reaction of unsaturated
compounds of structure (XIII) with quadricyclane
(tetracyclo[2.2.1.0.sup.2,60.sup.3,5]heptane) as shown in the
equation below.
##STR00011##
[0110] The reaction may be conducted at temperatures ranging from
about 0.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C., more typically from
about 30.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in the absence or
presence of an inert solvent such as diethyl ether. For reactions
conducted at or above the boiling point of one or more of the
reagents or solvent, a closed reactor is typically used to avoid
loss of volatile components. Compounds of structure (XII) with
higher values of d (i.e., d=1 or 2) may be prepared by reaction of
compounds of structure (XII) with d=0 with cyclopentadiene, as is
known in the art.
[0111] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer also
comprises a repeat unit derived from at least one ethylenically
unsaturated compound containing at least one fluorine atom attached
to an ethylenically unsaturated carbon. The fluoroolefin comprises
2 to 20 carbon atoms. Representative fluoroolefins include, but are
not limited to, tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene,
chlorotrifluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, vinyl fluoride,
perfluoro-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole),
perfluoro-(2-methylene-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane),
CF.sub.2.dbd.CFO(CF.sub.2).sub.tCF.dbd.CF.sub.2, where t is 1 or 2,
and R.sub.f''OCF.dbd.CF.sub.2 wherein R.sub.f'' is a saturated
fluoroalkyl group of from 1 to about ten carbon atoms. In one
embodiment, the comonomer is tetrafluoroethylene.
[0112] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer comprises a
polymeric backbone having pendant groups comprising siloxane
sulfonic acid. In one embodiment, the siloxane pendant groups have
the formula below:
--O.sub.aSi(OH).sub.b-aR.sup.22.sub.3-bR.sup.23R.sub.fSO.sub.3H
[0113] wherein:
[0114] a is from 1 to b;
[0115] b is from 1 to 3;
[0116] R.sup.22 is a non-hydrolyzable group independently selected
from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl;
[0117] R.sup.23 is a bidentate alkylene radical, which may be
substituted by one or more ether oxygen atoms, with the proviso
that R.sup.23 has at least two carbon atoms linearly disposed
between Si and R.sub.f; and
[0118] R.sub.f is a perfluoralkylene radical, which may be
substituted by one or more ether oxygen atoms.
[0119] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer having
pendant siloxane groups has a fluorinated backbone. In one
embodiment, the backbone is perfluorinated.
[0120] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer has a
fluorinated backbone and pendant groups represented by the Formula
(XIV)
--O.sub.g--[CF(R.sub.f.sup.2)CF--O.sub.h].sub.i--CF.sub.2CF.sub.2SO.sub.-
3H (XIV)
[0121] wherein R.sub.f.sup.2 is F or a perfluoroalkyl radical
having 1-10 carbon atoms either unsubstituted or substituted by one
or more ether oxygen atoms, h=0 or 1, i=0 to 3, and g=0 or 1.
[0122] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer has formula
(XV)
##STR00012##
[0123] where j.gtoreq.0, k.gtoreq.0 and 4.ltoreq.(j+k).ltoreq.199,
Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.2 are F or H, R.sub.f.sup.2 is F or a
perfluoroalkyl radical having 1-10 carbon atoms either
unsubstituted or substituted by one or more ether oxygen atoms, h=0
or 1, i=0 to 3, g=0 or 1. In one embodiment R.sub.f.sup.2 is
--CF.sub.3, g=1, h=1, and i=1. In one embodiment the pendant group
is present at a concentration of 3-10 mol-%.
[0124] In one embodiment, Q.sup.1 is H, k.gtoreq.0, and Q.sup.2 is
F, which may be synthesized according to the teachings of Connolly
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,875. In another preferred embodiment,
Q.sup.1 is H, Q.sup.2 is H, g=0, R.sub.f.sup.2 is F, h=1, and i--1,
which may be synthesized according to the teachings of co-pending
application Ser. No. 60/105,662. Still other embodiments may be
synthesized according to the various teachings in Drysdale et al.,
WO 9831716(A1), and co-pending US applications Choi et al, WO
99/52954(A1), and 60/176,881.
[0125] In one embodiment, the fluorinated acid polymer is a
colloid-forming polymeric acid. As used herein, the term
"colloid-forming" refers to materials which are insoluble in water,
and form colloids when dispersed into an aqueous medium. The
colloid-forming polymeric acids typically have a molecular weight
in the range of about 10,000 to about 4,000,000.
[0126] In one embodiment, the polymeric acids have a molecular
weight of about 100,000 to about 2,000,000. Colloid particle size
typically ranges from 2 nanometers (nm) to about 140 nm. In one
embodiment, the colloids have a particle size of 2 nm to about 30
nm. Any colloid-forming polymeric material having acidic protons
can be used. In one embodiment, the colloid-forming fluorinated
polymeric acid has acidic groups selected from carboxylic groups,
sulfonic acid groups, and sulfonimide groups. In one embodiment,
the colloid-forming fluorinated polymeric acid is a polymeric
sulfonic acid. In one embodiment, the colloid-forming polymeric
sulfonic acid is perfluorinated. In one embodiment, the
colloid-forming polymeric sulfonic acid is a
perfluoroalkylenesulfonic acid.
[0127] In one embodiment, the colloid-forming polymeric acid is a
highly-fluorinated sulfonic acid polymer ("FSA polymer"). "Highly
fluorinated" means that at least about 50% of the total number of
halogen and hydrogen atoms in the polymer are fluorine atoms, an in
one embodiment at least about 75%, and in another embodiment at
least about 90%. In one embodiment, the polymer is perfluorinated.
The term "sulfonate functional group" refers to either to sulfonic
acid groups or salts of sulfonic acid groups, and in one embodiment
alkali metal or ammonium salts. The functional group is represented
by the formula --SO.sub.3E.sup.5 where E.sup.5 is a cation, also
known as a "counterion". E.sup.5 may be H, Li, Na, K or
N(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)(R.sub.3)(R.sub.4), and R.sub.1, R.sub.2,
R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are and in one
embodiment H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2H.sub.5. In another embodiment,
E.sup.5 is H, in which case the polymer is said to be in the "acid
form". E.sup.5 may also be multivalent, as represented by such ions
as Ca.sup.++, and Al.sup.+++. It is clear to the skilled artisan
that in the case of multivalent counterions, represented generally
as M.sup.x+, the number of sulfonate functional groups per
counterion will be equal to the valence "x".
[0128] In one embodiment, the FSA polymer comprises a polymer
backbone with recurring side chains attached to the backbone, the
side chains carrying cation exchange groups. Polymers include
homopolymers or copolymers of two or more monomers. Copolymers are
typically formed from a nonfunctional monomer and a second monomer
carrying the cation exchange group or its precursor, e.g., a
sulfonyl fluoride group (--SO.sub.2F), which can be subsequently
hydrolyzed to a sulfonate functional group. For example, copolymers
of a first fluorinated vinyl monomer together with a second
fluorinated vinyl monomer having a sulfonyl fluoride group
(--SO.sub.2F) can be used. Possible first monomers include
tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropylene, vinyl fluoride,
vinylidine fluoride, trifluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene,
perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether), and combinations thereof. TFE is a
preferred first monomer.
[0129] In other embodiments, possible second monomers include
fluorinated vinyl ethers with sulfonate functional groups or
precursor groups which can provide the desired side chain in the
polymer. Additional monomers, including ethylene, propylene, and
R--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 where R is a perfluorinated alkyl group of 1 to
10 carbon atoms, can be incorporated into these polymers if
desired. The polymers may be of the type referred to herein as
random copolymers, that is copolymers made by polymerization in
which the relative concentrations of the comonomers are kept as
constant as possible, so that the distribution of the monomer units
along the polymer chain is in accordance with their relative
concentrations and relative reactivities. Less random copolymers,
made by varying relative concentrations of monomers in the course
of the polymerization, may also be used. Polymers of the type
called block copolymers, such as that disclosed in European Patent
Application No. 1 026 152 A1, may also be used.
[0130] In one embodiment, FSA polymers include a highly
fluorinated, and in one embodiment perfluorinated, carbon backbone
and side chains represented by the formula
--(O--CF.sub.2CFR.sub.f.sup.3).sub.a--O--CF.sub.2CFR.sub.f.sup.4SO.sub.3-
E.sup.5
[0131] wherein R.sub.f.sup.3 and R.sub.f.sup.4 are independently
selected from F, Cl or a perfluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 10
carbon atoms, a=0, 1 or 2, and E.sup.5 is H, Li, Na, K or
N(R1)(R2)(R3)(R4) and R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or different
and are and in one embodiment H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2H.sub.5. In
another embodiment E.sup.5 is H. As stated above, E.sup.5 may also
be multivalent.
[0132] In one embodiment, the FSA polymers include, for example,
polymers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,875 and in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,358,545 and 4,940,525. An example of preferred FSA polymer
comprises a perfluorocarbon backbone and the side chain represented
by the formula
--O--CF.sub.2CF(CF.sub.3)--O--CF.sub.2CF.sub.2SO.sub.3E.sup.5
[0133] where X is as defined above. FSA polymers of this type are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,282,875 and can be made by
copolymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and the
perfluorinated vinyl ether
CF.sub.2.dbd.CF--O--CF.sub.2CF(CF.sub.3)--O--CF.sub.2CF.sub.2SO.sub.2F,
perfluoro(3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonyl fluoride) (PDMOF),
followed by conversion to sulfonate groups by hydrolysis of the
sulfonyl fluoride groups and ion exchanged as necessary to convert
them to the desired ionic form. An example of a polymer of the type
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,358,545 and 4,940,525 has the side
chain --O--CF.sub.2CF.sub.2SO.sub.3E.sup.5, wherein E.sup.5 is as
defined above. This polymer can be made by copolymerization of
tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and the perfluorinated vinyl ether
CF.sub.2.dbd.CF--O--CF.sub.2CF.sub.2SO.sub.2F,
perfluoro(3-oxa-4-pentenesulfonyl fluoride) (POPF), followed by
hydrolysis and further ion exchange as necessary.
[0134] In one embodiment, the FSA polymers have an ion exchange
ratio of less than about 33. In this application, "ion exchange
ratio" or "IXR" is defined as number of carbon atoms in the polymer
backbone in relation to the cation exchange groups. Within the
range of less than about 33, IXR can be varied as desired for the
particular application. In one embodiment, the IXR is about 3 to
about 33, and in another embodiment about 8 to about 23.
[0135] The cation exchange capacity of a polymer is often expressed
in terms of equivalent weight (EW). For the purposes of this
application, equivalent weight (EW) is defined to be the weight of
the polymer in acid form required to neutralize one equivalent of
sodium hydroxide. In the case of a sulfonate polymer where the
polymer has a perfluorocarbon backbone and the side chain is
--O--CF.sub.2--CF(CF.sub.3)--O--CF.sub.2--CF.sub.2-SO.sub.3H (or a
salt thereof), the equivalent weight range which corresponds to an
IXR of about 8 to about 23 is about 750 EW to about 1500 EW. IXR
for this polymer can be related to equivalent weight using the
formula: 50 IXR+344=EW. While the same IXR range is used for
sulfonate polymers disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,358,545 and
4,940,525, e.g., the polymer having the side chain
--O--CF.sub.2CF.sub.2SO.sub.3H (or a salt thereof), the equivalent
weight is somewhat lower because of the lower molecular weight of
the monomer unit containing a cation exchange group. For the
preferred IXR range of about 8 to about 23, the corresponding
equivalent weight range is about 575 EW to about 1325 EW. IXR for
this polymer can be related to equivalent weight using the formula:
50 IXR+178=EW.
[0136] The FSA polymers can be prepared as colloidal aqueous
dispersions. They may also be in the form of dispersions in other
media, examples of which include, but are not limited to, alcohol,
water-soluble ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran, mixtures of
water-soluble ethers, and combinations thereof. In making the
dispersions, the polymer can be used in acid form. U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,433,082, 6,150,426 and WO 03/006537 disclose methods for making
of aqueous alcoholic dispersions. After the dispersion is made,
concentration and the dispersing liquid composition can be adjusted
by methods known in the art.
[0137] Aqueous dispersions of the colloid-forming polymeric acids,
including FSA polymers, typically have particle sizes as small as
possible and an EW as small as possible, so long as a stable
colloid is formed.
[0138] Aqueous dispersions of FSA polymer are available
commercially as Nafion.RTM. dispersions, from E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company (Wilmington, Del.).
[0139] Some of the polymers described hereinabove may be formed in
non-acid form, e.g., as salts, esters, or sulfonyl fluorides. They
will be converted to the acid form for the preparation of
conductive compositions, described below.
5. Preparation of Conductive Compositions
[0140] The new electrically conductive polymer composition is
prepared by (i) polymerizing the precursor monomers in the presence
of the fluorinated acid polymer; or (ii) first forming the
intrinsically conductive polymer and combining it with the
fluorinated acid polymer.
(i) Polymerizing Precursor Monomers in the Presence of the
Fluorinated Acid Polymer
[0141] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive polymer
composition is formed by the oxidative polymerization of the
precursor monomers in the presence of the fluorinated acid polymer.
In one embodiment, the precursor monomers comprise one type of
conductive precursor monomer. In one embodiment, the precursor
monomers comprise two or more different conductive precursor
monomers. In one embodiment, the monomers comprise an intermediate
precursor monomer having the structure A-B-C, where A and C
represent conductive precursor monomers, which can be the same or
different, and B represents a non-conductive precursor monomer. In
one embodiment, the intermediate precursor monomer is polymerized
with one or more conductive precursor monomers.
[0142] In one embodiment, the oxidative polymerization is carried
out in a homogeneous aqueous solution. In another embodiment, the
oxidative polymerization is carried out in an emulsion of water and
an organic solvent. In general, some water is present in order to
obtain adequate solubility of the oxidizing agent and/or catalyst.
Oxidizing agents such as ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate,
potassium persulfate, and the like, can be used. A catalyst, such
as ferric chloride, or ferric sulfate may also be present. The
resulting polymerized product will be a solution, dispersion, or
emulsion of the conductive polymer in association with the
fluorinated acid polymer. In one embodiment, the intrinsically
conductive polymer is positively charged, and the charges are
balanced by the fluorinated acid polymer anion.
[0143] In one embodiment, the method of making an aqueous
dispersion of the new conductive polymer composition includes
forming a reaction mixture by combining water, at least two
precursor monomers, at least one fluorinated acid polymer, and an
oxidizing agent, in any order, provided that at least a portion of
the fluorinated acid polymer is present when at least one of the
precursor monomers and the oxidizing agent is added.
[0144] In one embodiment, the method of making the new conductive
polymer composition comprises:
[0145] (a) providing an aqueous solution or dispersion of a
fluorinated acid polymer;
[0146] (b) adding an oxidizer to the solutions or dispersion of
step (a); and
[0147] (c) adding at least one precursor monomer to the mixture of
step (b).
[0148] In another embodiment, the precursor monomer is added to the
aqueous solution or dispersion of the fluorinated acid polymer
prior to adding the oxidizer. Step (b) above, which is adding
oxidizing agent, is then carried out.
[0149] In another embodiment, a mixture of water and the precursor
monomer is formed, in a concentration typically in the range of
about 0.5% by weight to about 4.0% by weight total precursor
monomer. This precursor monomer mixture is added to the aqueous
solution or dispersion of the fluorinated acid polymer, and steps
(b) above which is adding oxidizing agent is carried out.
[0150] In another embodiment, the aqueous polymerization mixture
may include a polymerization catalyst, such as ferric sulfate,
ferric chloride, and the like. The catalyst is added before the
last step. In another embodiment, a catalyst is added together with
an oxidizing agent.
[0151] In one embodiment, the polymerization is carried out in the
presence of co-dispersing liquids which are miscible with water.
Examples of suitable co-dispersing liquids include, but are not
limited to ethers, alcohols, alcohol ethers, cyclic ethers,
ketones, nitriles, sulfoxides, amides, and combinations thereof. In
one embodiment, the co-dispersing liquid is an alcohol. In one
embodiment, the co-dispersing liquid is an organic solvent selected
from n-propanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, dimethylacetamide,
dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof. In
general, the amount of co-dispersing liquid should be less than
about 60% by volume. In one embodiment, the amount of co-dispersing
liquid is less than about 30% by volume. In one embodiment, the
amount of co-dispersing liquid is between 5 and 50% by volume. The
use of a co-dispersing liquid in the polymerization significantly
reduces particle size and improves filterability of the
dispersions. In addition, buffer materials obtained by this process
show an increased viscosity and films prepared from these
dispersions are of high quality.
[0152] The co-dispersing liquid can be added to the reaction
mixture at any point in the process.
[0153] In one embodiment, the polymerization is carried out in the
presence of a co-acid which is a Bronsted acid. The acid can be an
inorganic acid, such as HCl, sulfuric acid, and the like, or an
organic acid, such as acetic acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid.
Alternatively, the acid can be a water soluble polymeric acid such
as poly(styrenesulfonic acid),
poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, or the like, or
a second fluorinated acid polymer, as described above. Combinations
of acids can be used.
[0154] The co-acid can be added to the reaction mixture at any
point in the process prior to the addition of either the oxidizer
or the precursor monomer, whichever is added last. In one
embodiment, the co-acid is added before both the precursor monomers
and the fluorinated acid polymer, and the oxidizer is added last.
In one embodiment the co-acid is added prior to the addition of the
precursor monomers, followed by the addition of the fluorinated
acid polymer, and the oxidizer is added last.
[0155] In one embodiment, the polymerization is carried out in the
presence of both a co-dispersing liquid and a co-acid.
[0156] In one embodiment, a reaction vessel is charged first with a
mixture of water, alcohol co-dispersing agent, and inorganic
co-acid. To this is added, in order, the precursor monomers, an
aqueous solution or dispersion of fluorinated acid polymer, and an
oxidizer. The oxidizer is added slowly and dropwise to prevent the
formation of localized areas of high ion concentration which can
destabilize the mixture. In another embodiment, the oxidizer and
precursor monomers are injected into the reaction mixture
separately and simultaneously at a controlled rate. The mixture is
stirred and the reaction is then allowed to proceed at a controlled
temperature. When polymerization is completed, the reaction mixture
is treated with a strong acid cation resin, stirred and filtered;
and then treated with a base anion exchange resin, stirred and
filtered. Alternative orders of addition can be used, as discussed
above.
[0157] In the method of making the new conductive polymer
composition, the molar ratio of oxidizer to total precursor monomer
is generally in the range of 0.1 to 2.0; and in one embodiment is
0.4 to 1.5. The molar ratio of fluorinated acid polymer to total
precursor monomer is generally in the range of 0.2 to 5. In one
embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 1 to 4. The overall solid
content is generally in the range of about 1.0% to 10% in weight
percentage; and in one embodiment of about 2% to 4.5%. The reaction
temperature is generally in the range of about 4.degree. C. to
50.degree. C.; in one embodiment about 20.degree. C. to 35.degree.
C. The molar ratio of optional co-acid to precursor monomer is
about 0.05 to 4. The addition time of the oxidizer influences
particle size and viscosity. Thus, the particle size can be reduced
by slowing down the addition speed. In parallel, the viscosity is
increased by slowing down the addition speed. The reaction time is
generally in the range of about 1 to about 30 hours.
(ii) Combining Intrinsically Conductive Polymers with Fluorinated
Acid Polymers
[0158] In one embodiment, the intrinsically conductive polymers are
formed separately from the fluorinated acid polymer. In one
embodiment, the polymers are prepared by oxidatively polymerizing
the corresponding monomers in aqueous solution. In one embodiment,
the oxidative polymerization is carried out in the presence of a
water soluble acid. In one embodiment, the acid is a water-soluble
non-fluororinated polymeric acid. In one embodiment, the acid is a
non-fluorinated polymeric sulfonic acid. Some non-limiting examples
of the acids are poly(styrenesulfonic acid) ("PSSA"),
poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) ("PAAMPSA"), and
mixtures thereof. The acid anion provides the counterion for the
positive charge on the conductive polymer. The oxidative
polymerization is carried out using an oxidizing agent such as
ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, and mixtures thereof.
[0159] The new electrically conductive polymer composition is
prepared by blending the intrinsically conductive polymer with the
fluorinated acid polymer. This can be accomplished by adding an
aqueous dispersion of the intrinsically conductive polymer to a
dispersion or solution of the polymeric acid. In one embodiment,
the composition is further treated using sonication or
microfluidization to ensure mixing of the components.
[0160] In one embodiment, one or both of the intrinsically
conductive polymer and fluorinated acid polymer are isolated in
solid form. The solid material can be redispersed in water or in an
aqueous solution or dispersion of the other component. For example,
intrinsically conductive polymer solids can be dispersed in an
aqueous solution or dispersion of a fluorinated acid polymer.
(iii) pH Adjustment
[0161] As synthesized, the aqueous dispersions of the new
conductive polymer composition generally have a very low pH. In one
embodiment, the pH is adjusted to higher values, without adversely
affecting the properties in devices. In one embodiment, the pH of
the dispersion is adjusted to about 1.5 to about 4. In one
embodiment, the pH is adjusted to between 3 and 4. It has been
found that the pH can be adjusted using known techniques, for
example, ion exchange or by titration with an aqueous basic
solution.
[0162] In one embodiment, after completion of the polymerization
reaction, the as-synthesized aqueous dispersion is contacted with
at least one ion exchange resin under conditions suitable to remove
decomposed species, side reaction products, and unreacted monomers,
and to adjust pH, thus producing a stable, aqueous dispersion with
a desired pH. In one embodiment, the as-synthesized aqueous
dispersion is contacted with a first ion exchange resin and a
second ion exchange resin, in any order. The as-synthesized aqueous
dispersion can be treated with both the first and second ion
exchange resins simultaneously, or it can be treated sequentially
with one and then the other.
[0163] Ion exchange is a reversible chemical reaction wherein an
ion in a fluid medium (such as an aqueous dispersion) is exchanged
for a similarly charged ion attached to an immobile solid particle
that is insoluble in the fluid medium. The term "ion exchange
resin" is used herein to refer to all such substances. The resin is
rendered insoluble due to the crosslinked nature of the polymeric
support to which the ion exchanging groups are attached. Ion
exchange resins are classified as cation exchangers or anion
exchangers. Cation exchangers have positively charged mobile ions
available for exchange, typically protons or metal ions such as
sodium ions. Anion exchangers have exchangeable ions which are
negatively charged, typically hydroxide ions.
[0164] In one embodiment, the first ion exchange resin is a cation,
acid exchange resin which can be in protonic or metal ion,
typically sodium ion, form. The second ion exchange resin is a
basic, anion exchange resin. Both acidic, cation including proton
exchange resins and basic, anion exchange resins are contemplated
for use in the practice of the invention. In one embodiment, the
acidic, cation exchange resin is an inorganic acid, cation exchange
resin, such as a sulfonic acid cation exchange resin. Sulfonic acid
cation exchange resins contemplated for use in the practice of the
invention include, for example, sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene
copolymers, sulfonated crosslinked styrene polymers,
phenol-formaldehyde-sulfonic acid resins,
benzene-formaldehyde-sulfonic acid resins, and mixtures thereof. In
another embodiment, the acidic, cation exchange resin is an organic
acid, cation exchange resin, such as carboxylic acid, acrylic or
phosphorous cation exchange resin. In addition, mixtures of
different cation exchange resins can be used.
[0165] In another embodiment, the basic, anionic exchange resin is
a tertiary amine anion exchange resin. Tertiary amine anion
exchange resins contemplated for use in the practice of the
invention include, for example, tertiary-aminated
styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers, tertiary-aminated crosslinked
styrene polymers, tertiary-aminated phenol-formaldehyde resins,
tertiary-aminated benzene-formaldehyde resins, and mixtures
thereof. In a further embodiment, the basic, anionic exchange resin
is a quaternary amine anion exchange resin, or mixtures of these
and other exchange resins.
[0166] The first and second ion exchange resins may contact the
as-synthesized aqueous dispersion either simultaneously, or
consecutively. For example, in one embodiment both resins are added
simultaneously to an as-synthesized aqueous dispersion of an
electrically conducting polymer, and allowed to remain in contact
with the dispersion for at least about 1 hour, e.g., about 2 hours
to about 20 hours. The ion exchange resins can then be removed from
the dispersion by filtration. The size of the filter is chosen so
that the relatively large ion exchange resin particles will be
removed while the smaller dispersion particles will pass through.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the ion
exchange resins quench polymerization and effectively remove ionic
and non-ionic impurities and most of unreacted monomer from the
as-synthesized aqueous dispersion. Moreover, the basic, anion
exchange and/or acidic, cation exchange resins renders the acidic
sites more basic, resulting in increased pH of the dispersion. In
general, about one to five grams of ion exchange resin is used per
gram of new conductive polymer composition.
[0167] In many cases, the basic ion exchange resin can be used to
adjust the pH to the desired level. In some cases, the pH can be
further adjusted with an aqueous basic solution such as a solution
of sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methylammonium
hydroxide, or the like.
[0168] In another embodiment, more conductive dispersions are
formed by the addition of highly conductive additives to the
aqueous dispersions of the new conductive polymer composition.
Because dispersions with relatively high pH can be formed, the
conductive additives, especially metal additives, are not attacked
by the acid in the dispersion. Examples of suitable conductive
additives include, but are not limited to metal particles and
nanoparticles, nanowires, carbon nanotubes, graphite fibers or
particles, carbon particles, and combinations thereof.
6. Buffer Layers
[0169] In another embodiment of the invention, there are provided
buffer layers deposited from aqueous dispersions comprising the new
conductive polymer composition. The term "buffer layer" or "buffer
material" is intended to mean electrically conductive or
semiconductive materials and may have one or more functions in an
organic electronic device, including but not limited to,
planarization of the underlying layer, charge transport and/or
charge injection properties, scavenging of impurities such as
oxygen or metal ions, and other aspects to facilitate or to improve
the performance of the organic electronic device. The term "layer"
is used interchangeably with the term "film" and refers to a
coating covering a desired area. The term is not limited by size.
The area can be as large as an entire device or as small as a
specific functional area such as the actual visual display, or as
small as a single sub-pixel. Layers and films can be formed by any
conventional deposition technique, including vapor deposition,
liquid deposition (continuous and discontinuous techniques), and
thermal transfer. Continuous deposition techniques, include but are
not limited to, spin coating, gravure coating, curtain coating, dip
coating, slot-die coating, spray coating, and continuous nozzle
coating. Discontinuous deposition techniques include, but are not
limited to, ink jet printing, gravure printing, and screen
printing.
[0170] The dried films of the new conductive polymer composition
are generally not redispersible in water. Thus the buffer layer can
be applied as multiple thin layers. In addition, the buffer layer
can be overcoated with a layer of different water-soluble or
water-dispersible material without being damaged. Buffer layers
comprising the new conductive polymer composition have been
surprisingly found to have improved wettability.
[0171] In another embodiment, there are provided buffer layers
deposited from aqueous dispersions comprising the new conductive
polymer composition blended with other water soluble or dispersible
materials. Examples of types of materials which can be added
include, but are not limited to polymers, dyes, coating aids,
organic and inorganic conductive inks and pastes, charge transport
materials, crosslinking agents, and combinations thereof. The other
water soluble or dispersible materials can be simple molecules or
polymers. Examples of suitable polymers include, but are not
limited to, conductive polymers such as polythiophenes,
polyanilines, polypyrroles, polyacetylenes, poly(thienothiophenes),
and combinations thereof.
7. Electronic Devices
[0172] In another embodiment of the invention, there are provided
electronic devices comprising at least one electroactive layer
positioned between two electrical contact layers, wherein the
device further includes the new buffer layer. The term
"electroactive" when referring to a layer or material is intended
to mean a layer or material that exhibits electronic or
electro-radiative properties. An electroactive layer material may
emit radiation or exhibit a change in concentration of
electron-hole pairs when receiving radiation.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 1, a typical device, 100, has an anode
layer 110, a buffer layer 120, an electroactive layer 130, and a
cathode layer 150. Adjacent to the cathode layer 150 is an optional
electron-injection/transport layer 140.
[0174] The device may include a support or substrate (not shown)
that can be adjacent to the anode layer 110 or the cathode layer
150. Most frequently, the support is adjacent the anode layer 110.
The support can be flexible or rigid, organic or inorganic.
Examples of support materials include, but are not limited to,
glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic films.
[0175] The anode layer 110 is an electrode that is more efficient
for injecting holes compared to the cathode layer 150. The anode
can include materials containing a metal, mixed metal, alloy, metal
oxide or mixed oxide. Suitable materials include the mixed oxides
of the Group 2 elements (i.e., Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra), the Group
11 elements, the elements in Groups 4, 5, and 6, and the Group 8-10
transition elements. If the anode layer 110 is to be light
transmitting, mixed oxides of Groups 12, 13 and 14 elements, such
as indium-tin-oxide, may be used. As used herein, the phrase "mixed
oxide" refers to oxides having two or more different cations
selected from the Group 2 elements or the Groups 12, 13, or 14
elements. Some non-limiting, specific examples of materials for
anode layer 110 include, but are not limited to, indium-tin-oxide
("ITO"), indium-zinc-oxide, aluminum-tin-oxide, gold, silver,
copper, and nickel. The anode may also comprise an organic
material, especially a conducting polymer such as polyaniline,
including exemplary materials as described in "Flexible
light-emitting diodes made from soluble conducting polymer," Nature
vol. 357, pp 477 479 (11 Jun. 1992). At least one of the anode and
cathode should be at least partially transparent to allow the
generated light to be observed.
[0176] The anode layer 110 may be formed by a chemical or physical
vapor deposition process or spin-cast process. Chemical vapor
deposition may be performed as a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor
deposition ("PECVD") or metal organic chemical vapor deposition
("MOCVD"). Physical vapor deposition can include all forms of
sputtering, including ion beam sputtering, as well as e-beam
evaporation and resistance evaporation. Specific forms of physical
vapor deposition include rf magnetron sputtering and
inductively-coupled plasma physical vapor deposition ("IMP-PVD").
These deposition techniques are well known within the semiconductor
fabrication arts.
[0177] In one embodiment, the anode layer 110 is patterned during a
lithographic operation. The pattern may vary as desired. The layers
can be formed in a pattern by, for example, positioning a patterned
mask or resist on the first flexible composite barrier structure
prior to applying the first electrical contact layer material.
Alternatively, the layers can be applied as an overall layer (also
called blanket deposit) and subsequently patterned using, for
example, a patterned resist layer and wet chemical or dry etching
techniques. Other processes for patterning that are well known in
the art can also be used.
[0178] The buffer layer 120 is usually deposited onto substrates
using a variety of techniques well-known to those skilled in the
art. Typical deposition techniques, as discussed above, include
vapor deposition, liquid deposition (continuous and discontinuous
techniques), and thermal transfer.
[0179] An optional layer, not shown, may be present between the
buffer layer 120 and the electroactive layer 130. This layer may
comprise hole transport materials. Examples of hole transport
materials have been summarized for example, in Kirk-Othmer
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Fourth Edition, Vol. 18, p.
837-860, 1996, by Y. Wang. Both hole transporting molecules and
polymers can be used. Commonly used hole transporting molecules
include, but are not limited to:
4,4',4''-tris(N,N-diphenyl-amino)-triphenylamine (TDATA);
4,4',4''-tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenyl-amino)-triphenylamine
(MTDATA);
N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diamine
(TPD); 1,1-bis[(di-4-tolylamino) phenyl]cyclohexane (TAPC);
N,N'-bis(4-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(4-ethylphenyl)-[1,1'-(3,3'-dimethyl)bip-
henyl]-4,4'-diamine (ETPD);
tetrakis-(3-methylphenyl)-N,N,N',N'-2,5-phenylenediamine (PDA);
.alpha.-phenyl-4-N,N-diphenylaminostyrene (TPS);
p-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde diphenylhydrazone (DEH);
triphenylamine (TPA);
bis[4-(N,N-diethylamino)-2-methylphenyl](4-methylphenyl)methane
(MPMP);
1-phenyl-3-[p-(diethylamino)styryl]-5-[p-(diethylamino)phenyl]pyr-
azoline (PPR or DEASP); 1,2-trans-bis(9H-carbazol-9-yl)cyclobutane
(DCZB);
N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(4-methylphenyl)-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine
(TTB); N,N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis-(phenyl)benzidine
(.alpha.-NPB); and porphyrinic compounds, such as copper
phthalocyanine. Commonly used hole transporting polymers include,
but are not limited to, polyvinylcarbazole,
(phenylmethyl)polysilane, poly(dioxythiophenes), polyanilines, and
polypyrroles. It is also possible to obtain hole transporting
polymers by doping hole transporting molecules such as those
mentioned above into polymers such as polystyrene and
polycarbonate.
[0180] Depending upon the application of the device, the
electroactive layer 130 can be a light-emitting layer that is
activated by an applied voltage (such as in a light-emitting diode
or light-emitting electrochemical cell), a layer of material that
responds to radiant energy and generates a signal with or without
an applied bias voltage (such as in a photodetector). In one
embodiment, the electroactive material is an organic
electroluminescent ("EL") material, Any EL material can be used in
the devices, including, but not limited to, small molecule organic
fluorescent compounds, fluorescent and phosphorescent metal
complexes, conjugated polymers, and mixtures thereof. Examples of
fluorescent compounds include, but are not limited to, pyrene,
perylene, rubrene, coumarin, derivatives thereof, and mixtures
thereof. Examples of metal complexes include, but are not limited
to, metal chelated oxinoid compounds, such as
tris(8-hydroxyquinolato)aluminum (Alq3); cyclometalated iridium and
platinum electroluminescent compounds, such as complexes of iridium
with phenylpyridine, phenylquinoline, or phenylpyrimidine ligands
as disclosed in Petrov et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,645 and
Published PCT Applications WO 03/063555 and WO 2004/016710, and
organometallic complexes described in, for example, Published PCT
Applications WO 03/008424, WO 03/091688, and WO 03/040257, and
mixtures thereof. Electroluminescent emissive layers comprising a
charge carrying host material and a metal complex have been
described by Thompson et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,238, and by
Burrows and Thompson in published PCT applications WO 00/70655 and
WO 01/41512. Examples of conjugated polymers include, but are not
limited to poly(phenylenevinylenes), polyfluorenes,
poly(spirobifluorenes), polythiophenes, poly(p-phenylenes),
copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.
[0181] Optional layer 140 can function both to facilitate electron
injection/transport, and can also serve as a confinement layer to
prevent quenching reactions at layer interfaces. More specifically,
layer 140 may promote electron mobility and reduce the likelihood
of a quenching reaction if layers 130 and 150 would otherwise be in
direct contact. Examples of materials for optional layer 140
include, but are not limited to, metal chelated oxinoid compounds,
such as
bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolato)(para-phenyl-phenolato)aluminum(III)
(BAIQ) and tris(8-hydroxyquinolato)aluminum (Alq.sub.3);
tetrakis(8-hydroxyquinolinato)zirconium; azole compounds such as
2-(4-biphenylyl)-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD),
3-(4-biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-(4-t-butylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole (TAZ),
and 1,3,5-tri(phenyl-2-benzimidazole)benzene (TPBI); quinoxaline
derivatives such as 2,3-bis(4-fluorophenyl)quinoxaline;
phenanthroline derivatives such as 9,10-diphenylphenanthroline
(DPA) and 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DDPA); and
any one or more combinations thereof. Alternatively, optional layer
140 may be inorganic and comprise BaO, LiF, Li.sub.2O, or the
like.
[0182] The cathode layer 150 is an electrode that is particularly
efficient for injecting electrons or negative charge carriers. The
cathode layer 150 can be any metal or nonmetal having a lower work
function than the first electrical contact layer (in this case, the
anode layer 110). As used herein, the term "lower work function" is
intended to mean a material having a work function no greater than
about 4.4 eV. As used herein, "higher work function" is intended to
mean a material having a work function of at least approximately
4.4 eV.
[0183] Materials for the cathode layer can be selected from alkali
metals of Group 1 (e.g., Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), the Group 2 metals
(e.g., Mg, Ca, Ba, or the like), the Group 12 metals, the
lanthanides (e.g., Ce, Sm, Eu, or the like), and the actinides
(e.g., Th, U, or the like). Materials such as aluminum, indium,
yttrium, and combinations thereof, may also be used. Specific
non-limiting examples of materials for the cathode layer 150
include, but are not limited to, barium, lithium, cerium, cesium,
europium, rubidium, yttrium, magnesium, samarium, and alloys and
combinations thereof.
[0184] The cathode layer 150 is usually formed by a chemical or
physical vapor deposition process. In some embodiments, the cathode
layer will be patterned, as discussed above in reference to the
anode layer 110.
[0185] Other layers in the device can be made of any materials
which are known to be useful in such layers upon consideration of
the function to be served by such layers.
[0186] In some embodiments, an encapsulation layer (not shown) is
deposited over the contact layer 150 to prevent entry of
undesirable components, such as water and oxygen, into the device
100. Such components can have a deleterious effect on the organic
layer 130. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer is a barrier
layer or film. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer is a
glass lid.
[0187] Though not depicted, it is understood that the device 100
may comprise additional layers. Other layers that are known in the
art or otherwise may be used. In addition, any of the
above-described layers may comprise two or more sub-layers or may
form a laminar structure. Alternatively, some or all of anode layer
110 the hole transport layer 120, the electron transport layer 140,
cathode layer 150, and other layers may be treated, especially
surface treated, to increase charge carrier transport efficiency or
other physical properties of the devices. The choice of materials
for each of the component layers is preferably determined by
balancing the goals of providing a device with high device
efficiency with device operational lifetime considerations,
fabrication time and complexity factors and other considerations
appreciated by persons skilled in the art. It will be appreciated
that determining optimal components, component configurations, and
compositional identities would be routine to those of ordinary
skill of in the art.
[0188] In one embodiment, the different layers have the following
range of thicknesses: anode 110, 500-5000 .ANG., in one embodiment
1000-2000 .ANG.; buffer layer 120, 50-2000 .ANG., in one embodiment
200-1000 .ANG.; photoactive layer 130, 10-2000 .ANG., in one
embodiment 100-1000 .ANG.; optional electron transport layer 140,
50-2000 .ANG., in one embodiment 100-1000 .ANG.; cathode 150,
200-10000 .ANG., in one embodiment 300-5000 .ANG.. The location of
the electron-hole recombination zone in the device, and thus the
emission spectrum of the device, can be affected by the relative
thickness of each layer. Thus the thickness of the
electron-transport layer should be chosen so that the electron-hole
recombination zone is in the light-emitting layer. The desired
ratio of layer thicknesses will depend on the exact nature of the
materials used.
[0189] In operation, a voltage from an appropriate power supply
(not depicted) is applied to the device 100. Current therefore
passes across the layers of the device 100. Electrons enter the
organic polymer layer, releasing photons. In some OLEDs, called
active matrix OLED displays, individual deposits of photoactive
organic films may be independently excited by the passage of
current, leading to individual pixels of light emission. In some
OLEDs, called passive matrix OLED displays, deposits of photoactive
organic films may be excited by rows and columns of electrical
contact layers.
[0190] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or
and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is
satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B
is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is
true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0191] Also, use of "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements
and components of the invention. This is done merely for
convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This
description should be read to include one or at least one and the
singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is
meant otherwise.
[0192] The term "hole transport" when referring to a layer,
material, member, or structure, is intended to mean such layer,
material, member, or structure facilitates migration of positive
charges through the thickness of such layer, material, member, or
structure with relative efficiency and small loss of charge.
[0193] The term "electron transport" means when referring to a
layer, material, member or structure, such a layer, material,
member or structure that promotes or facilitates migration of
negative charges through such a layer, material, member or
structure into another layer, material, member or structure.
[0194] The term "organic electronic device" is intended to mean a
device including one or more semiconductor layers or materials.
Organic electronic devices include, but are not limited to: (1)
devices that convert electrical energy into radiation (e.g., a
light-emitting diode, light emitting diode display, diode laser, or
lighting panel), (2) devices that detect signals through electronic
processes (e.g., photodetectors photoconductive cells,
photoresistors, photoswitches, phototransistors, phototubes,
infrared ("IR") detectors, or biosensors), (3) devices that convert
radiation into electrical energy (e.g., a photovoltaic device or
solar cell), and (4) devices that include one or more electronic
components that include one or more organic semiconductor layers
(e.g., a transistor or diode).
[0195] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the
Formulae, the letters Q, R, T, W, X, Y, and Z are used to designate
atoms or groups which are defined within. All other letters are
used to designate conventional atomic symbols. Group numbers
corresponding to columns within the Periodic Table of the elements
use the "New Notation" convention as seen in the CRC Handbook of
Chemistry and Physics, 81.sup.st Edition (2000).
[0196] Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described
below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other
references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0197] It is to be appreciated that certain features of the
invention which are, for clarity, described above and below in the
context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of
the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a
single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any
subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges
include each and every value within that range.
[0198] The use of numerical values in the various ranges specified
herein is stated as approximations as though the minimum and
maximum values within the stated ranges were both being preceded by
the word "about." In this manner slight variations above and below
the stated ranges can be used to achieve substantially the same
results as values within the ranges. Also, the disclosure of these
ranges is intended as a continuous range including every value
between the minimum and maximum average values including fractional
values that can result when some of components of one value are
mixed with those of different value. Moreover, when broader and
narrower ranges are disclosed, it is within the contemplation of
this invention to match a minimum value from one range with a
maximum value from another range and vice versa.
* * * * *