U.S. patent application number 14/026962 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for compound.
This patent application is currently assigned to CAMBRIDGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is CAMBRIDGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Jeremy Burroughes, Thomas Kugler, Richard Wilson, Tania Zuberi.
Application Number | 20140077194 14/026962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47137358 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140077194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kugler; Thomas ; et
al. |
March 20, 2014 |
COMPOUND
Abstract
The present invention relates to a compound of general formula
(I) which can transport holes in an organic optoelectronic device,
and to blends and solutions comprising the compound of general
formula (I): ##STR00001## wherein X is C, Si or Ge; A is a group of
formula (II) ##STR00002## wherein Z is N, P, NH, O or S; E is
C.sub.1-10 alkyl or H; W is substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.5-14
aryl or substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.6-16 alkyl; e is an
integer from 1 to 4; and z is 1 or 2; B, C and D are each
independently A, H, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.5-14 aryl or OH;
and a, b, c and d are each independently an integer from 1 to
5.
Inventors: |
Kugler; Thomas; (Milton,
GB) ; Zuberi; Tania; (Pinner, GB) ; Wilson;
Richard; (Girton, GB) ; Burroughes; Jeremy;
(Cambridge, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CAMBRIDGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
Cambridgeshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
CAMBRIDGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
LIMITED
Cambridgeshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
47137358 |
Appl. No.: |
14/026962 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
257/40 ; 252/500;
252/519.21; 438/46; 556/413; 556/489 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 11/025 20130101;
H01L 51/0094 20130101; C09K 2211/1029 20130101; C07F 7/081
20130101; C09K 2211/185 20130101; H01L 51/0036 20130101; H01L
51/0062 20130101; H01L 51/0035 20130101; H01L 51/0039 20130101;
H01L 51/5076 20130101; H01L 51/0067 20130101; C09K 2211/1014
20130101; H01L 51/5016 20130101; H01L 51/5072 20130101; H01L
51/0059 20130101; H01L 51/5088 20130101; H05B 33/14 20130101; H01L
51/0085 20130101; C09K 2211/1007 20130101; H01L 2251/308 20130101;
C09K 11/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/40 ; 556/413;
556/489; 252/519.21; 252/500; 438/46 |
International
Class: |
H01L 51/00 20060101
H01L051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 13, 2012 |
GB |
1216309.3 |
Claims
1. A compound of general formula (I): ##STR00051## wherein X is C,
Si or Ge; A is a group of formula (II) ##STR00052## wherein Z is N,
P, NH, O or S; E is C.sub.1-10 alkyl or H; W is substituted or
unsubstituted C.sub.5-14 aryl or substituted or unsubstituted
C.sub.6-16 alkyl; e is an integer from 1 to 4; and z is 1 or 2; B,
C and D are each A; and a, b, c and d are each independently an
integer from 1 to 5.
2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein X is Si.
3. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein a is 1 or 2.
4. A compound as claimed in claim 1 of formula (Ia): ##STR00053##
wherein X, A, B, C and D are as defined in claim 1.
5. (canceled)
6. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein E is H.
7. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein Z is N or P and z is
2.
8. A compound as claimed in claim 7, wherein Z is N and z is 2.
9. A compound as claimed in claim 1 of formula (Ib): ##STR00054##
wherein X and W are as defined in claim 1.
10. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein W is an aryl group
selected from phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, indenyl,
tetrahydronaphthalenyl, pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl,
imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl,
oxathiolyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxatriazolyl, furazanyl,
tetrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl,
triazinyl, picolinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl,
isobenzofuranyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl,
benzoimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, thianaphthenyl,
benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl,
naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalamidyl, phthalic anhydride,
indolinyl, isoindolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, fluorenyl and
carbazolyl.
11. A compound as claimed in claim 10, wherein W is a phenyl
group.
12. A compound as claimed in claim 10, wherein W is a substituted
aryl group.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein W is an unsubstituted
C.sub.6-16 alkyl.
16. A compound as claimed in claim 1 of formula (Ic): ##STR00055##
wherein X is as defined in claim 1 and R is selected from halogen,
C.sub.1-16 halocarbon, C.sub.1-16 alkyl, C.sub.2-16 alkenyl,
C.sub.2-16 alkynyl, C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.5-14 aryl, heteroaryl
and arylalkyl.
17. A compound as claimed in claim 1 of formula (Id):
##STR00056##
18. A compound as claimed in claim 1 of formula (Ie):
##STR00057##
19. (canceled)
20. A blend comprising a compound as claimed in claim 1 and at
least one of: (a) an electron transporting material and/or at least
one of (b) a light emitting compound.
21. A blend as claimed in claim 20, wherein said blend comprises
20-50% wt of the compound of formula (I).
22. (canceled)
23. A blend as claimed in claim 20 comprising an electron
transporting material, wherein said electron transporting material
is a polymer.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. A blend as claimed in claim 20 comprising a light emitting
compound, wherein said light emitting compound is a compound of
formula (III): ML.sup.1.sub.qL.sup.2.sub.mL.sup.3.sub.s (III)
wherein M is a metal; each of L.sup.1, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 is a
ligand; q is an integer; r and s are each independently 0 or an
integer; and the sum of (aq)+(br)+(cs) is equal to the number of
coordination sites available on M, wherein a is the number of
ligating sites on L, b is the number of ligating sites on L.sup.2
and c is the number of ligating sites on L.sup.3.
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. A blend as claimed in claim 20 comprising: 20-50 weight %
compound of formula (I); 7.5-12.5 weight % light emitting compound;
and 40-60 weight % electron transporting polymer.
30. A solution comprising a solvent and a compound as claimed in
claim 1.
31. (canceled)
32. An organic optoelectronic device comprising an anode, a cathode
and an active organic layer in between said anode and cathode,
wherein said active layer comprises a compound as claimed in claim
1.
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. A method for preparing an active layer of an organic
optoelectronic device comprising an anode, a cathode and the active
organic layer in between said anode and cathode, wherein said
active layer comprises a compound as claimed in claim 1, the method
comprising: (i) depositing said active layer from a solution
comprising a solvent and a compound as claimed in claim 1; and (ii)
drying said deposited layer to evaporate said solvent.
36. (canceled)
37. A solution comprising a solvent and a blend comprising a
compound as claimed in claim 1 and at least one of (a) an electron
transporting material and/or at least one of (b) a light emitting
compound.
38. An organic optoelectronic device comprising an anode, a cathode
and an active organic layer in between said anode and cathode,
wherein said active layer comprises a blend comprising a compound
as claimed in claim 1 and at least one of (a) an electron
transporting material and/or at least one of (b) a light emitting
compound.
39. A method for preparing an active layer of an organic
optoelectronic device comprising an anode, a cathode and the active
organic layer in between said anode and cathode, wherein said
active layer comprises a compound as claimed in claim 1, the method
comprising: (i) depositing said active layer from a solution
comprising a solvent and a blend comprising a compound as claimed
in claim 1 and at least one of (a) an electron transporting
material and/or at least one of (b) a light emitting compound; and
(ii) drying said deposited layer to evaporate said solvent.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a compound which can
transport holes in an organic optoelectronic device and to blends
and solutions comprising the compound. The invention is also
concerned with organic optoelectronic devices comprising an active
layer which comprises the compound or blend and to methods for
making the devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Organic electronic devices provide many potential advantages
including inexpensive, low temperature, large scale fabrication on
a variety of substrates including glass and plastic. Organic light
emitting diode displays provide additional advantages as compared
with other display technologies--in particular they are bright,
colourful, fast-switching and provide a wide viewing angle. OLED
devices (which here includes organometallic devices and devices
including one or more phosphors) may be fabricated using either
polymers or small molecules in a range of colours and in
multicoloured displays depending upon the materials used. For
general background information reference may be made, for example,
to WO90/13148, WO95/06400, WO99/48160 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,570,
as well as to "Organic Light Emitting Materials and Devices" edited
by Zhigang Li and Hong Meng, CRC Press (2007), ISBN
10:1-57444-574X, which describes a number of materials and devices,
both small molecule and polymer.
[0003] In its most basic form an organic light emitting diode
(OLED) comprises a light emitting layer which is positioned in
between an anode and a cathode. Frequently a hole injection layer
is incorporated in between the anode and the light emitting layer.
It functions to decrease the energy difference between the work
function of the anode and the highest occupied molecular orbital
(HOMO) of the light emitting layer thereby increasing the number of
holes introduced into the light emitting layer. In operation holes
are injected through the anode, and if present the hole injection
layer, into the light emitting layer and electrons are injected
into the light emitting layer through the cathode. The holes and
electrons combine in the light emitting layer to form an exciton
which then undergoes radiative decay to provide light.
[0004] In many OLEDs the light emitting layer comprises a light
emitting compound and a charge transporting material, e.g. a
electron transporting polymer. A wide range of light emitting
compounds are employed. These are generally metal complexes of
lanthanide or d-block metals such as iridium. Typically 40-50% wt
of the light emitting layer is light emitting compound and the
remainder is charge transporting material. Such devices have
excellent optoelectronic properties, namely high luminance, current
density and EQE for a given drive voltage as well as luminance over
extended periods of time (i.e. extended device lifetime).
[0005] The drawback of such devices, however, is that the light
emitting compounds, present in amounts of up to 50% wt of the light
emitting layer, are expensive and this significantly increases the
overall cost of the manufacture of the devices. A need therefore
exists for new devices that provide comparable optoelectronic
properties to todays commercially available devices but which are
less expensive to prepare.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] Thus viewed from a first aspect the present provides a
compound of general formula (I):
##STR00003##
wherein
X is C, Si or Ge;
[0007] A is a group of formula (II)
##STR00004## [0008] wherein [0009] Z is N, P, NH, O or S; [0010] E
is C.sub.1-10 alkyl or H; [0011] W is substituted or unsubstituted
C.sub.5-14 aryl or unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.6-16 alkyl;
[0012] e is an integer from 1 to 4; and [0013] z is 1 or 2; B, C
and D are each independently A, H, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl,
C.sub.5-14 aryl or OH; and a, b, c and d are each independently an
integer from 1 to 5.
[0014] Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides
a method for making a compound as hereinbefore defined comprising
reacting a compound of formula (a):
##STR00005##
with a compound of formula (b)
##STR00006##
wherein X, Z, E, W, a, b, c, d, e and z are as hereinbefore
defined.
[0015] Viewed from a still further aspect the present invention
provides a blend comprising a compound as hereinbefore defined.
[0016] Viewed from a still further aspect the present invention
provides a solution comprising a solvent and a compound or a blend
as hereinbefore defined.
[0017] Viewed from another aspect the present invention provides an
organic optoelectronic device comprising an anode, a cathode and an
active organic layer in between said anode and cathode, wherein
said active layer comprises a compound or a blend as hereinbefore
defined.
[0018] Preferably the device is an organic light emitting device
and the active organic layer is an organic light-emitting
layer.
[0019] Viewed from yet another aspect the present invention
provides a method for preparing an active layer of an organic
optoelectronic device as hereinbefore defined comprising:
(i) depositing (preferably by spin coating) said active layer from
a solution as hereinbefore defined; and (ii) drying said deposited
layer to evaporate said solvent.
DEFINITIONS
[0020] As used herein the term "alkyl" refers to saturated,
straight chained, branched or cyclic groups. Alkyl groups may be
substituted or unsubstituted.
[0021] As used herein the term "haloalkyl" refers to saturated,
straight chained, branched or cyclic groups in which one or more
hydrogen atoms are replaced by a halo atom, e.g. F or Cl,
especially F.
[0022] As used herein, the term "cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated
or partially saturated mono- or bicyclic alkyl ring system
containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Cycloalkyl groups may be
substituted or unsubstituted.
[0023] As used herein, the term "heterocycloalkyl" refers to a
cycloalkyl group in which one or more ring carbon atoms are
replaced by at least one hetero atom such as --O--, --N-- or --S--.
Heterocycloalkyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted.
[0024] As used herein the term "aromatic ring" refers to a planar
ring that has 4n+2 pi electrons, wherein n is a non-negative
integer.
[0025] As used herein, the term "aryl" refers to a group comprising
at least one aromatic ring. The term aryl encompasses heteroaryl as
well as fused ring systems wherein one or more aromatic ring is
fused to a cycloalkyl ring. Aryl groups may be substituted or
unsubstituted.
[0026] As used herein, the term "heteroaryl" refers to a group
comprising at least one aromatic ring in which one or more ring
carbon atoms are replaced by at least one hetero atom such as
--O--, --N-- or --S--.
[0027] As used herein the term "halogen" encompasses atoms selected
from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I.
[0028] As used herein the term "alkenyl" refers to straight
chained, branched or cyclic group comprising a double bond. Alkenyl
groups may be substituted or unsubstituted.
[0029] As used herein the term "alkynyl" refers to straight
chained, branched or cyclic groups comprising a triple bond.
Alkynyl groups may be substituted or unsubstituted.
[0030] As used herein the term "alkoxy" refers to O-alkyl groups,
wherein alkyl is as defined above.
[0031] As used herein, the term "arylalkyl" refers to an alkyl
group as hereinbefore defined that is substituted with an aryl
group as hereinbefore defined.
[0032] As used herein the term "blend" refers to a mixture of at
least two compounds and/or polymers. Generally a blend will be a
solid, e.g. powder.
[0033] As used herein the term "solution" refers to a homogeneous
mixture of a compound or blend in a solvent.
[0034] As used herein the term green emitter refers to a compound
that emits radiation having a wavelength in the range 490 to 560
nm.
[0035] As used herein the term red emitter refers to a compound
that emits radiation having a wavelength in the range 635 to 700
nm.
[0036] As used herein the term ligating site is the part of a
ligand through which the ligand is joined, e.g. bonded, to the
metal centre M. A ligating site may comprise one atom or may
comprise, e.g. a pi system.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0037] The compounds of the present invention are preferably
incorporated into the light emitting layer of an organic
optoelectronic device. The presence of the compounds of the
invention in the light emitting layer advantageously enables the
amount of light emitting compound present in the layer to be
decreased without compromising the optoelectronic properties of the
device.
[0038] The compound of the present invention is of general formula
(I):
##STR00007##
wherein X is C, Si or Ge, preferably Si or C, especially Si; A is a
group of formula (II)
##STR00008##
[0039] wherein
[0040] Z is N, P, NH, O or S;
[0041] E is C.sub.1-10 alkyl or H;
[0042] W is substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.5-14 aryl or
unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.6-16 alkyl;
[0043] e is an integer from 1 to 4; and
[0044] z is 1 or 2;
B, C and D are each independently A, H, C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl,
C.sub.5-14 aryl or OH; and a, b, c and d are each independently an
integer from 1 to 5
[0045] In many cases the compounds of the present invention may be
referred to as dendrimers.
[0046] In preferred compounds of formula (I), a is 1, 2 or 3, still
more preferably 1 or 2 and yet more preferably 1. When a is 2, the
groups of formula A are preferably present at positions 3 and 5.
When a is 1, the group of formula A is preferably present at
position 4, i.e. para position. In particularly preferred compounds
a is 1 and A is in the 4 or para position.
[0047] In preferred compounds of formula (I), b is 1, 2 or 3, still
more preferably 1 or 2 and yet more preferably 1. When b is 2, the
groups of formula B are preferably present at positions 3 and 5.
When b is 1, the group of formula B is preferably present at
position 4, i.e. para position. In particularly preferred compounds
b is 1 and B is in the 4 or para position.
[0048] In preferred compounds of formula (I), c is 1, 2 or 3, still
more preferably 1 or 2 and yet more preferably 1. When c is 2, the
groups of formula C are preferably present at positions 3 and 5.
When c is 1, the group of formula C is preferably present at
position 4, i.e. para position. In particularly preferred compounds
c is 1 and C is in the 4 or para position.
[0049] In preferred compounds of formula (I), d is 1, 2 or 3, still
more preferably 1 or 2 and yet more preferably 1. When d is 2, the
groups of formula D are preferably present at positions 3 and 5.
When d is 1, the group of formula D is preferably present at
position 4, i.e. para position. In particularly preferred compounds
d is 1 and D is in the 4 or para position.
[0050] More preferred compounds of formula (I) are those of formula
(Ia):
##STR00009##
wherein X, A, B, C and D are as hereinbefore defined.
[0051] In preferred compounds of formula (I) B, C and D are each
independently A, H, C.sub.1-C.sub.16 alkyl or C.sub.5-14 aryl and
more preferably A, H or C.sub.1-C.sub.16 alkyl. When B, C or D is
alkyl it is preferably C.sub.4-12 alkyl and more preferably
C.sub.6-12 alkyl.
[0052] In further preferred compounds of formula (I) at least one
of B, C and D is a group A of formula (II). In some preferred
compounds B is a group A of formula (II). In other preferred
compounds C is a group A of formula (II). In still other preferred
compounds D is a group A of formula (II). In particularly preferred
compounds at least two of B, C and D is a group A of formula (II).
B and C, B and D or C and D may, for example, be a group A of
formula (II). Still more preferably each of B, C and D is a group A
of formula (II).
[0053] When any or all of B, C and D is a group A, it may or may
not be the same group of formula (II) as A. Preferably, however,
each of A, B, C and D are the same group of formula (II).
[0054] In further preferred compounds of formula (I) E is H and e
is 4. Preferably therefore the phenyl ring is solely substituted by
groups Z and W. If E is not H, it is preferably C.sub.1-6 alkyl and
more preferably C.sub.1-4 alkyl. When E is not H, e is preferably 1
or 2, more preferably 1.
[0055] In further preferred compounds of formula (I) Z is N or P
and z is 2. Particularly preferably Z is N and z is 2.
[0056] Still more preferred compounds of formula (I) are those of
formula (Ib):
##STR00010##
wherein X and W are as hereinbefore defined.
[0057] In some preferred compounds of formula (I) W is an
unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.6-16 alkyl, preferably an
unsubstituted C.sub.6-16 alkyl group. Preferred alkyl groups are
C.sub.6-12 and still more preferably C.sub.6-8. In such compounds W
is preferably hexyl or 2-ethylhexyl.
[0058] In preferred compounds of formula (I) W is an aryl group.
The aryl group may comprise 4 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably 5
to 13 carbon atoms and still more preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms.
Aryl groups optionally comprise 0, 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms.
[0059] The aryl group may comprise one aromatic ring or may
comprise one aromatic ring fused to one or more (e.g. two or three)
cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and/or aromatic rings. When a
cycloalkyl ring is present within an aryl group it is preferably a
C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 ring. When a heterocycloalkyl group is present
in an aryl group, it is preferably a C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 ring and
especially a C.sub.5 or C.sub.6 ring comprising one heteroatom.
[0060] Preferred aryl groups consist of aromatic rings. Still
further preferred aryl groups are non-heteroaromatic.
[0061] In preferred compounds of formula (I) the aryl group is
selected from phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, phenanthrenyl,
acenaphthylenyl, azulenyl, indanyl, indenyl,
tetrahydronaphthalenyl, pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl,
imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl,
oxadiazolyl, thiodiazolyl, triazolyl, furazanyl, tetrazolyl,
pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, indolyl,
isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, purinyl,
quinazolinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, benzoimidazolyl,
benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl,
benzisoxazolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridine,
naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalamide, phenanthrolinyl,
phthalic anhydride, indolinyl, isoindolinyl,
tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, chromanyl, xanthenyl, thianthrenyl,
phenoxathiinyl, phenothiazinyl, tetrahydroquinolyl, acridinyl,
phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, fluorenyl and carbazolyl.
More preferably the aryl group is selected from phenyl, naphthyl,
fluorenyl and carbazolyl. Particularly preferably the aryl group is
phenyl.
[0062] When W is an aryl group, it may be a substituted or
unsubstituted aryl group. Preferably W is a substituted aryl group.
The aryl group may be substituted at one, two, three, four or five
ring atoms. Preferably, however, the aryl group is substited at one
or two ring atoms, still more preferably one ring atom. When the
aryl group is phenyl and is substituted at two ring atoms, the
substituents are preferably present at the 3 and 5 positions. When
the aryl group is phenyl and is substituted at one ring atom, the
substituent is preferably present at the 4 position.
[0063] The substituent(s) present on the aryl group are preferably
selected from halogen (e.g. F, Cl, Br), C.sub.1-16 haloalkyl,
C.sub.1-16 alkyl, C.sub.2-16 alkenyl, C.sub.2-16 alkynyl,
C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.5-14 aryl, heteroaryl and arylalkyl.
Examples of suitable haloalkyl groups include --CF.sub.3,
--CF.sub.2CF.sub.3 and --CF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3. Preferred alkyl
groups are C.sub.4-14 alkyl groups and more preferably C.sub.6-12
alkyl groups. Examples of suitable alkyl groups include hexyl,
heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl. Preferred alkenyl groups are
C.sub.4-14 alkenyl groups and more preferably C.sub.6-12 alkenyl
groups. Examples of preferred alkenyl groups include hexenyl,
heptenyl, octenyl, nonenyl and decenyl. Preferred alkynyl groups
are C.sub.4-14 alkynyl groups and more preferably C.sub.6-12
alkynyl groups. Examples of preferred alkynyl groups include
hexadiynyl, heptdiynyl, octadiynyl, nonadiynyl and decadiynyl.
Preferred alkoxy groups are C.sub.4-14 alkoxy groups and more
preferably C.sub.6-12 alkoxy groups. Examples of suitable alkoxy
groups include hexoxy, heptoxy, octoxy, nonoxy and decoxy. Examples
of preferred aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl. Examples of
preferred heteroaryl groups include pyrrolyl, furanyl and thienyl.
An example of a preferred arylalkyl group is benzyl.
[0064] Still more preferably the substituents present on the aryl
group are selected from C.sub.1-16 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-16 alkyl and
C.sub.1-16 alkoxy. Yet more preferably the substituents present on
the aryl group are C.sub.1-16 alkyl. Examples of suitable alkyl
groups include hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl and decyl. Octyl is
particularly preferred.
[0065] Yet more preferred compounds of formula (I) are those of
formula (Ic):
##STR00011##
wherein X is as hereinbefore defined and R is selected from
halogen, C.sub.1-16 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-16 alkyl, C.sub.2-16
alkenyl, C.sub.2-16 alkynyl, C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.5-14 aryl,
heteroaryl and arylalkyl. Still more preferably R is selected from
C.sub.1-16 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-16 alkyl and C.sub.1-16 alkoxy. Yet
more preferably R is C.sub.1-6 alkyl. Preferred alkyl groups are
C.sub.4-14 alkyl groups and more preferably C.sub.6-12 alkyl
groups. Examples of suitable alkyl groups include hexyl, heptyl,
octyl, nonyl and decyl. Octyl is particularly preferred.
[0066] Still further preferred compounds of formula (I) are those
of formula (Id):
##STR00012##
wherein X is as hereinbefore defined. More preferably X is Si.
[0067] Especially preferred compounds of the invention are
compounds of formula (Ie), (If), (Ig) and (Ih) shown below:
##STR00013## ##STR00014##
[0068] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that
the light emitting layer generally present in optoelectronic
devices such as polymer OLEDs perform two roles, light emission and
charge carrier transport. The latter is necessary for supplying the
holes and electrons which combine to produce excitons. Often, the
host polymers in which the light emitting compound is present (see
below) do predominantly support electron transport, but are not
sufficiently hole transporting. In such cases, light emitting
compounds such as phosphorescent iridium complexes can assume the
additional role of hole transporting material, provided they are
added at sufficiently high concentration. Advantageously it has now
been found that the compounds of the present invention can function
as hole transporting compounds when they are present in the light
emitting layer of an optoelectronic device, and as a result the
amount of light emitting compound present therein can be decreased.
The optoelectronic properties of devices comprising a compound of
the invention in combination with a light emitting compound have
been found to be excellent thereby indicating that the compounds of
the invention are excellent hole transporters. A significant
advantage of such devices is that the compounds of the invention
are much cheaper to manufacture than light emitting compounds such
as phosphorescent iridium complexes therefore the cost of
manufacturing the devices of the invention is significantly
reduced.
[0069] Moreover it has also been discovered that the incorporation
of the compounds of the present invention into the light emitting
layer of an OLED does not adversely impact on the lifetime of the
device. When additional compounds are incorporated into the light
emitting layer of an optoelectronic device great care must be taken
to prevent unwanted interaction between it and the charge
transporting polymer and/or light emitting compound. Advantageously
the HOMOs of the compounds of the present invention are localised
on the centre of their structure. As a result the HOMOs are
sterically hindered from interaction with the LUMO of, e.g. the
electron transporting polymer. The different components of the
light emitting layer are therefore each able to perform their
functions individually without deleteriously impacting on each
other.
[0070] The compounds of the present invention may be prepared by
reacting a compound of formula (a) with a compound of formula (b)
as hereinbefore defined. In preferred compounds of formula (a), X,
a, b, c and d are as hereinbefore defined in relation to formula
(I). In further preferred compounds of formula (a), halogen is
bromine. In preferred compounds of formula (b), Z, E, W, e and z
are as hereinbefore defined in relation to formula (II).
[0071] In preferred methods for making compounds of the present
invention the reaction between the compound of formula (a) and the
compound of formula (b) is a Buchwald-Harting amination. The
skilled man in the art will readily be able to optimise the
specific reactions conditions. Preferably the reaction is carried
out in the presence of base, more preferably an alkoxide base and
still more preferably .sup.tBuONa.
[0072] Preferably the reaction is carried out in the presence of a
palladium catalyst, particularly a Pd(0) or Pd(II) catalyst. The
catalyst preferably comprises ligands, particularly phosphine
ligands. Preferably the reaction is carried out in the presence of
a Fu salt.
[0073] The compounds of the present invention are preferably used
in the manufacture of organic optoelectronic devices and more
particularly in the manufacture of the active layer of such
devices. Blends comprising the compounds of the present invention
are preferably used for the manufacture of the active layer of such
devices.
[0074] Preferred blends of the present invention comprise 10-60% wt
of compound of formula (I), still more preferably 20 to 50% wt of
compound of formula (I) and yet more preferably 30 to 45% wt of
compound of formula (I).
[0075] Preferred blends of the present invention further comprise a
light emitting compound. The light emitting compound is preferably
a green emitter or a red emitter. Suitable red emitters are
disclosed in WO2009/157424, WO2010/084977, GB2435194 and EP1449238,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In
preferred emitters, the metal is iridium.
[0076] More preferably the light emitting compound is a green
emitter. Still more preferably the light emitting compound is a
phosphorescent iridium complex.
[0077] Preferably the light emitting compound is a compound of
formula (III):
ML.sup.1.sub.qL.sup.2.sub.mL.sup.3.sub.s (III)
[0078] wherein
[0079] M is a metal;
[0080] each of L.sup.1, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 is a ligand;
[0081] q is an integer;
[0082] r and s are each independently 0 or an integer; and
[0083] the sum of (aq)+(br)+(cs) is equal to the number of
coordination sites available on M, wherein a is the number of
ligating sites on L.sup.1, b is the number of ligating sites on
L.sup.2 and c is the number of ligating sites on L.sup.3.
[0084] Heavy elements M induce strong spin-orbit coupling to allow
rapid intersystem crossing and emission from triplet or higher
states (phosphorescence). Suitable heavy metals M include:
lanthanide metals (e.g. cerium, samarium, europium, terbium,
dysprosium, thulium, erbium and neodymium) and d-block metals.
Preferred d-block metals are those in rows 2 and 3 i.e. elements 39
to 48 and 72 to 80, in particular ruthenium, rhodium, palladium,
rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum and gold.
[0085] More preferably M is a d-block metal and still more
preferably M is iridium.
[0086] Suitable ligands for the lanthanide metals include oxygen or
nitrogen donor systems such as carboxylic acids, 1,3-diketonates,
hydroxy carboxylic acids, Schiff bases including acyl phenols and
iminoacyl groups. As is known, luminescent lanthanide metal
complexes require sensitizing group(s) which have the triplet
excited energy level higher than the first excited state of the
metal ion. Emission is from an f-f transition of the metal and so
the emission colour is determined by the choice of the metal. The
sharp emission is generally narrow, resulting in a pure colour
emission useful for display applications.
[0087] The d-block metals are particularly suitable for emission
from triplet excited states. Ligating groups suitable for use with
d-block elements include diketonates, in particular acetylacetonate
(acac), triarylphosphines, pyridine, porphyrin or ligands
comprising a bidentate group of formula (IV) as shown below:
##STR00015##
wherein Ar.sup.1 and Ar.sup.2 may be the same or different and are
independently selected from optionally substituted C.sub.5-10 aryl
or C.sub.5-10 heteroaryl and/or are optionally fused together; and
X.sup.1 and Y.sup.1 may be the same or different and are
independently selected from carbon, sulfur or nitrogen.
[0088] Ligands comprising a bidentate group of formula (IV) are
preferred. Ligands wherein X.sup.1 is carbon and Y.sup.1 is
nitrogen are particularly preferred.
[0089] Preferred bidentate groups of formula (IV) are illustrated
below:
##STR00016##
[0090] A particularly preferred bidentate group of formula (IV)
is:
##STR00017##
[0091] Each of Ar.sup.1 and Ar.sup.2 may carry one or more
substituents. Two or more of these substituents may be linked to
form a ring, for example an aromatic ring. Particularly preferred
substituents include phenyl, which is optionally substituted with
one or two optionally substituted phenyl groups, fluorine,
trifluoromethyl, C.sub.1-12 alkyl, C.sub.1-12 alkoxy, carbazole,
bromine, chlorine or iodine.
[0092] A particularly preferred light emitting compound is PGIA2
which has the structure shown below:
##STR00018##
[0093] As an alternative to the presence of a light emitting
compound, a light emitting complex may be chemically bound to a
material present in the light emitting layer, e.g. a electron
transporting polymer. A light emitting complex may be present for
example as a substituent attached to the polymer backbone,
incorporated as a repeat unit in the polymer backbone or provided
as an end-group of the polymer as disclosed in, for example,
EP1245659, WO 02/31896, WO03/18653 and WO 03/22908.
[0094] Preferred blends of the present invention comprise 5 to 20%
wt of light emitting compound, more preferably 7.5 to 12.5% wt of
light emitting compound and still more preferably about 10% wt of
light emitting compound. This is much lower amounts than is
generally present in OLEDs and is one of the advantages of the
present invention.
[0095] Suitable light emitting compounds are commercially available
from a range of suppliers. Alternatively light emitting compounds
may be synthesised according to the methods disclosed in art.
[0096] In preferred blends of the present invention the weight
ratio of compound of formula (I) to light emitting compound is 2:1
to 7:1, more preferably 3:1 to 6:1 and still more preferably 4:1 to
5:1.
[0097] Preferred blends of the present invention further comprise
an electron transporting material. The electron transporting
material may be polymeric or non-polymeric. Preferably, however,
the electron transporting material is polymeric, i.e. an electron
transporting polymer. The polymer also functions as a host or
matrix in which the light emitting compound and compound of the
invention are distributed.
[0098] Preferred electron transport polymers comprise a
phenanthrene repeat unit, particularly a repeat unit of formula
(N):
##STR00019##
[0099] R' is on each occurrence, identical or different, H, a
straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl chain having 1 to 40 C
atoms, which may be substituted by R'', and in which, in addition,
one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by NR'', O, S,
O--CO--O, CO--O, --CR''.dbd.CR'', and in which, in addition, one or
more H atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, or an aromatic
or heteroaromatic ring system having 2 to 40 C atoms, which may be
substituted by one or more radicals R'', or a combination of a
plurality of these systems; the two radicals R' here may also form
a further mono- or polycyclic, aliphatic ring system with one
another;
[0100] R'' is on each occurrence, identical or different, H, a
straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain having 1
to 22 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent C
atoms may be replaced by NR''', O, S, O--CO--O, CO--O, or
--CR'''--CR'''-- and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may
be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, or an aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy
or heteroaryloxy group having 5 to 40 C atoms, which may also be
substituted by one or more non-aromatic radicals R'';
[0101] R''' is on each occurrence, identical or different, H or an
aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 20 C
atoms.
[0102] Preferred electron transporting polymers comprise a repeat
unit of formula (O):
##STR00020##
[0103] R.sup.a and R.sup.c is the same or different at each
instance and is H, F, a straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy chain having
1 to 40 carbon atoms or a branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain
having 3 to 40 carbon atoms, each of which may be substituted by
R.sup.e, and in which one or more non-adjacent carbon atoms may
also be replaced by N--R.sup.e, O, S, CO, O--CO--O, CO--O,
--CR.sup.e.dbd.CR.sup.e--, Si(R.sup.e).sub.2, SO, SO.sub.2 or
PO(R.sup.e), and in which one or more hydrogen atoms may also be
replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic
ring system which has 5 to 60 aromatic ring atoms and may also be
substituted by one or more R.sup.e radicals; with the proviso that
at least one of the two R.sup.a and R.sub.c radicals is not H;
or
[0104] R.sup.a and R.sup.c form a further mono- or polycyclic,
aliphatic ring system with one another, which may be substituted by
R.sup.e and in which one or more non-adjacent carbon atoms may also
be replaced by N--R.sup.e, O, S, CO, O--CO--O, CO--O,
--CR.sup.e.dbd.CR.sup.e--, Si(R.sup.e).sub.2, SO, SO.sub.2 or
PO(R.sup.e), and in which one or more hydrogen atoms may also be
replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic
ring system which has 5 to 60 aromatic ring atoms and may also be
substituted by one or more R.sup.e radicals;
[0105] R.sup.b and R.sup.d is the same or different at each
instance and is R.sup.a;
[0106] R.sup.e is the same or different at each instance and is H,
a straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy chain having 1 to 22 carbon atoms
or a branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain having 3 to 22 carbon
atoms, in which one or more non-adjacent carbon atoms may also be
replaced by O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, O--CO--O, CO--O, --CH.dbd.CH--, and
in which one or more hydrogen atoms may also be replaced by F, Cl,
Br, I or CN, or an aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy or heteroaryloxy group
which has 5 to 40 carbon atoms and may also be substituted by one
or more non-aromatic R.sup.e radicals; in this structure, two or
more of the R.sup.e radicals, together and/or with R.sup.a to
R.sup.e, may optionally form a ring system; and
[0107] R.sup.f is the same or different at each instance and is the
same as R' as defined above in relation to formula (N).
[0108] Preferred electron transporting polymers comprise a repeat
unit of formula (P) which is an o-phenylene, m-phenylene or
p-phenylene group, particularly a p-phenylene group. Preferably the
phenylene repeating unit is substituted. Particularly preferably
the phenylene repeat unit is of formula (P):
##STR00021##
wherein R.sup.1 represents C.sub.1-16 alkyl, C.sub.1-16 alkoxy,
C.sub.1-16 alkylthio, C.sub.5-14 aryl, C.sub.5-14 aryloxy,
C.sub.5-15 arylthio, arylalkyl, arylalkoxy, arylalkylthio or a
monovalent heterocyclic group; and p is 0 or an integer.
[0109] In preferred repeat units of formula (P), p is 1 or 2,
especially 2. When p is 2, the groups R.sup.1 are preferably
present at positions 2 and 5 or 3 and 6 of the ring. When p is
greater than 1, the R.sup.1 groups present may be the same or
different.
[0110] In further preferred repeat units of formula (P), R.sup.1
represents C.sub.1-16 alkyl, more preferably C.sub.1-10 alkyl and
still more preferably C.sub.1-6 alkyl, e.g. methyl or hexyl.
[0111] Two particularly preferred repeat units of formula (P) are
shown below.
##STR00022##
[0112] Repeat units of formula (P) may be incorporated into
electron transporting polymers using monomers as described in
EP2123691.
[0113] Further preferred electron transporting polymers comprise a
repeat unit of formula (Q):
##STR00023##
wherein Ar.sup.h comprises a substituted or unsubstituted
heteroaryl group comprising 5 or 6 ring atoms; and each G is the
same or different and independently comprises a substituted or
unsubstituted C.sub.5-14 aryl or C.sub.5-14 heteroaryl group.
[0114] Representative examples of substituents that may be present
on the aryl or heteroaryl groups are halide, cyano, C.sub.1-16
alkyl, C.sub.1-16 fluoroalkyl, C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.1-16
fluoroalkoxy, C.sub.5-14 aryl and C.sub.5-14 heteroaryl.
[0115] In preferred repeat units of formula (Q) Ar.sup.h is a 6
membered ring. The ring preferably comprises 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms.
Particularly preferably the ring comprises 2 or 3 and especially 3
heteroatoms. Nitrogen is the preferred heteroatom. Especially
preferably Ar.sup.h is a 1,3,5-triazine ring.
[0116] In further preferred repeat units of formula (Q) G.sup.1 is
an aryl group. Particularly preferably G.sup.1 is a C.sub.6 aryl
group, e.g. phenyl. In further preferred repeat units of formula
(Q) G.sup.2 is an aryl group. Particularly preferably G.sup.2 is a
C.sub.6 aryl group, e.g. phenyl. Still more preferably G.sup.1 and
G.sup.2 are the same.
[0117] A particularly preferred repeat unit of formula (Q) is (Qi)
as shown below:
##STR00024##
[0118] wherein G.sup.3 is as defined above in relation to formula
(Q).
[0119] Preferably G.sup.3 is also a substituted or unsubstituted
phenyl group. Preferably G.sup.3 is substituted. Thus a further
preferred repeat unit of formula (Q) is formula (Qii) shown
below:
##STR00025##
wherein R' is H or optionally substituted branched or linear
C.sub.1-16 alkyl or C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, preferably alkyl.
Particularly preferably R' is linear C.sub.1-2 alkyl. Preferably R'
is in the para position.
[0120] A particularly preferred repeat unit (Qiii) is shown
below:
##STR00026##
[0121] Repeat units of formula (Q) may be incorporated into
electron transporting polymers using monomers as described in
WO2002/083760.
[0122] Further preferred electron transporting polymers comprise a
repeat unit of formula (R) which is an optionally substituted,
2,7-linked fluorene, most preferably a repeat units of formula (R)
as shown below:
##STR00027##
[0123] wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-16 alkyl wherein one or
more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced with O, S, N, CO and
--COO--, optionally substituted C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, optionally
substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl, optionally substituted arylalkyl,
optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 heteroaryl and optionally
substituted heteroarylalkyl. Optional substituents are preferably
selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-16 alkyl or
C.sub.1-16 cycloalkyl wherein one or more non-adjacent C atoms may
be replaced with O, S, N, C.dbd.O and --COO--, optionally
substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl, optionally substituted C.sub.5-14
heteroaryl, C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.1-16 alkylthio, fluorine,
cyano and arylalkyl.
[0124] In preferred repeat units of formula (R) R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
are the same. In particularly preferred repeat units at least one
and more preferably both of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 comprise an
optionally substituted C.sub.1-16 alkyl or an optionally
substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl, e.g. a C.sub.6 aryl. Preferred
substituents of aryl groups are C.sub.1-16 alkyl and still more
preferably an unsubstituted C.sub.1-16 alkyl group.
[0125] A particularly preferred repeat unit of formula (R) is shown
below as formula (Ri):
##STR00028##
[0126] Repeat units of formula (R) may be incorporated into
electron transporting polymers using monomers as described in
WO2002/092723.
[0127] Further preferred electron transporting polymers comprise a
repeat unit of formula (S):
##STR00029##
[0128] wherein Ar.sup.3 and Ar.sup.4 are optionally substituted
C.sub.5-14 aryl or C.sub.5-14 heteroaryl groups, s is greater than
or equal to 1, preferably 1 or 2, and R.sup.4 is H or a substituent
selected from C.sub.1-16 alkyl, C.sub.5-14 aryl or C.sub.5-14
heteroaryl, most preferably aryl or heteroaryl. Any of the aryl or
heteroaryl groups in the unit of formula S may be substituted.
Preferred substituents include C.sub.1-16 alkyl and C.sub.1-16
alkoxy groups. Any of the aryl or heteroaryl groups in the repeat
unit of Formula S may be linked by a direct bond or a divalent
linking atom or group. Preferred divalent linking atoms and groups
include O, S, substituted N and substituted C.
[0129] Particularly preferred repeat units of formula (S) are those
of formula (Si-iii) shown below. Those of formula Siii are
particularly preferred.
##STR00030##
[0130] wherein Ar.sup.3 and Ar.sup.4 are as defined above; and
Ar.sup.5 is optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl or C.sub.5-14
heteroaryl. When present, preferred substituents for Ar.sup.5
include C.sub.1-16 alkyl and C.sub.1-16 alkoxy groups.
[0131] In preferred repeat units of formula (S) each of Ar.sup.3,
Ar.sup.4 and Ar.sup.5 are aryl, especially preferably C.sub.6 aryl.
Preferably Ar.sup.3 and Ar.sup.4 are unsubstituted. Ar.sup.5 is
preferably substituted. Preferred substituents are C.sub.1-16
alkyl, more preferably C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
[0132] A particularly preferred repeat unit of formula (S) is (Siv)
shown below:
##STR00031##
[0133] Repeat units of formula (S) may be incorporated into
electron transporting polymers using monomers as described in
WO2008/016090, WO2008/111658, WO2009/110642 and WO2010/013724.
[0134] Electron transporting polymers may optionally contain a
light emitting unit.
[0135] Preferred light emitting units are present as end caps in
the polymer. Preferred light emitting units are of formula (T):
ML.sup.1.sub.qL.sup.2.sub.mL.sup.3.sub.s (T)
[0136] wherein M is a metal; each of L.sup.1, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3
is a ligand; q is an integer; r and s are each independently 0 or
an integer; and the sum of (aq)+(br)+(cs) is equal to the number of
coordination sites available on M, wherein a is the number of
ligating sites on L.sup.1, b is the number of ligating sites on
L.sup.2 and c is the number of ligating sites on L.sup.3.
[0137] In preferred monomers of formula (T) L, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3
are bidentate ligands. In further preferred monomers of formula (T)
L, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 are biaryl bidentate ligands, especially
preferably biaryl bidentate ligands comprising one or more (e.g.
one) heteroatoms. Preferably the heteroatom or heteroatoms are
oxygen or nitrogen. In particularly preferred monomers of formula
(T) L, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 are biaryl bidentate nitrogen-containing
ligands. The preferred metal M is iridium.
[0138] Particularly preferred light emitting units of formula (Ti)
are those in which at least one of L, L.sup.2 and L.sup.3 are of
the following structure:
##STR00032##
wherein R.sub.L is H or Ar.sup.6 wherein Ar.sup.6 is aryl,
especially substituted C.sub.6 aryl.
[0139] Preferred light emitting units of formula (Tii) are as
follows:
##STR00033##
wherein R.sub.L is as defined above.
[0140] A particularly preferred light emitting of formula (Tiii) is
shown below:
##STR00034##
[0141] Preferred electron transporting polymers for use in the
present invention are block copolymers. Preferred block copolymers
comprise a first block comprising repeat units of formulae (P) and
(Q) and a second block comprising repeat units of formulae (P), (R)
and (S). Particularly preferred block copolymers comprise a first
block comprising repeat units of formulae (Pi), (Pii) and (Qiii)
and a second block comprising repeating units of formulae (Pi),
(Pii), (Ri) and (Siv).
[0142] Suitable electron transporting materials may be synthesised
according to the methods disclosed in the art, e.g. in by Suzuki
polymerisation as described in WO00/53656.
[0143] Preferred blends of the present invention comprise 30 to 70%
wt of electron transporting material, more preferably 40 to 60% wt
of electron transporting material and still more preferably 45 to
55% wt of an electron transporting material.
[0144] A preferred blend of the present invention comprises:
10-60% wt compound of formula (I); 30-70% wt electron transporting
material; and 5-20% wt light emitting compound.
[0145] A further preferred blend of the present invention
comprises:
20-50% wt compound of formula (I); 40-60% wt electron transporting
material; and 7.5-12.5% wt light emitting compound.
[0146] A still further preferred blend of the present invention
comprises:
30-45% wt compound of formula (I); 45-55% wt electron transporting
material; and about 10% wt light emitting compound.
[0147] When the compounds and blends of the present invention are
used in the manufacture of organic optoelectronic devices, they are
preferably dissolved to form solutions. The solutions may be used
in solution processing techniques to form the active layer of such
devices.
[0148] The solvent present in the solution is preferably an
aromatic solvent. Suitable aromatic solvents are commercially
available from a range of suppliers. Anhydrous grade solvents are
typically selected. Such solvents are generally able to form
solutions of compounds of the invention as well as electron
transporting materials and light emitting compounds.
[0149] Preferably the aromatic solvent is a C.sub.1-16 alkyl
benzene. Optionally the C.sub.1-6 alkyl benzene is further
substituted. Representative examples of further substituents
include C.sub.1-6 alkyl, OC.sub.1-6 alkyl and C(O)OC.sub.1-6 alkyl,
preferably C.sub.1-6 alkyl. Di-C.sub.1-6 alkyl substituted benzenes
are preferred aromatic solvents.
[0150] Preferably the aromatic solvent is of formula (V):
##STR00035##
wherein R.sup.5 is selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl and OC.sub.1-6
alkyl, preferably C.sub.1-6 alkyl; and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are each
independently selected from H and C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
[0151] In preferred solvents of formula (I) R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-6
alkyl. In further preferred solvents R.sup.6 is H. In still further
preferred solvents R.sup.7 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, preferably methyl.
Yet more preferably R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, preferably methyl,
R.sup.6 is H and R.sup.7 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl.
[0152] In other preferred solvents of formula (I) R.sup.5 is
OC.sub.1-6 alkyl. In further preferred solvents R.sup.6 is H. In
still further preferred solvents R.sup.7 is H. Yet more preferably
R.sup.5 is OC.sub.1-6 alkyl, preferably methyl, R.sup.6 is H and
R.sup.7 is H.
[0153] When the aromatic solvent is disubstituted, the substituents
may be present in a [1,2], [1,3] or [1,4] substitution pattern.
Preferably, however, the substituents are present in a [1,2] or
ortho pattern. When the aromatic solvent is trisubstituted, the
substituents are preferably present in a [1,3,5] substitution
pattern.
[0154] Preferably the aromatic solvent is selected from the group
consisting of toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, anisole (or
methoxybenzene) and mesitylene.
[0155] Particularly preferably the aromatic solvent is selected
from o-xylene, m-xylene or p-xylene. Still more preferably the
aromatic solvent is o-xylene.
[0156] The concentration of solids (i.e. the compound of formula
(I), the light emitting compound and the electron transporting
polymer) in the solution is preferably in the range 0.6 to 3 wt %
and more preferably 1.0 to 2.5 wt %. The concentration of the light
emitting compound in the solids is preferably in the range 7.5 to
12.5 wt % and preferably about 10 wt %. The concentration of the
electron transporting material in the solids is preferably in the
range 40 to 60% wt and preferably 45 to 55 wt %. The concentration
of the compound of formula (I) in the solids is preferably in the
range 20 to 50% wt and preferably 30 to 45 wt %.
[0157] The compounds, blends and solutions of the present invention
are preferably used in the manufacture of optoelectronic devices.
Such devices comprise an anode, a cathode and an active organic
layer in between the anode and cathode, wherein the active layer
comprises a compound as hereinbefore described. The electrodes are
preferably deposited by thermal evaporation. The active layer is
preferably deposited by solution processing, e.g. spin coating.
Optional additional layers, e.g. hole injection layer and
interlayer are also preferably deposited by solution processing,
e.g. spin coating.
[0158] Examples of optoelectronic devices that may be prepared
using the compounds, blends and solutions of the present invention
include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic
devices (OPVs), organic photosensors, organic transistors and
organic memory array devices.
[0159] The compounds, blends and solutions are particularly
beneficial in the manufacture of OLEDs. In OLEDs the active organic
layer is an organic light-emitting layer. Preferably the OLED
comprises:
(i) a substrate; (ii) an anode on said substrate; (iii) a hole
injection layer on said anode; (iv) a light emitting layer on said
hole injection layer; and (v) a cathode on said light emitting
layer, wherein the light emitting layer comprises a compound or a
blend as hereinbefore described.
[0160] Particularly preferred OLEDs additionally comprise an
interlayer. Preferably the interlayer is in between the hole
injection layer and the light emitting layer and/or in between the
anode and the hole injection layer. A further optional layer is an
electron transporting layer in between the light emitting layer and
the cathode. Preferred OLEDS of the present invention comprise an
interlayer in between the hole injection layer and the light
emitting layer. Preferred OLEDs of the present invention do not
comprise an electron transporting layer in between the light
emitting layer and the cathode.
[0161] Preferred devices of the invention are also encapsulated to
avoid ingress of moisture and oxygen. Conventional encapsulation
techniques may be used.
[0162] The substrate may be any material conventionally used in the
art such as glass or plastic. Optionally the substrate is
pre-treated to improve adhesion thereto. Preferably the substrate
is transparent. Preferably the substrate also has good barrier
properties to prevent ingress of moisture or oxygen into the
device.
[0163] The anode may comprise any material with a workfunction
suitable for injection of holes into the light emitting layer.
Preferably the anode is transparent. Representative examples of
materials for use as a transparent anode include indium tin oxide
(ITO) and indium zinc oxide (IZO). If the anode is not required to
be transparent (e.g. if the cathode is transparent) then opaque
conducting materials such as opaque metals may be used as the
anode.
[0164] The anode may comprise a single layer or may comprise more
than one layer. For example, the anode may comprise a first anode
layer and an auxiliary conductive layer between the anode and the
hole injection layer such as a layer of organic conductive material
between the anode and the hole injection layer.
[0165] Preferably the anode is deposited on the substrate by
thermal evaporation. The anode is preferably 20 to 200 nm thick and
more preferably 10 to 100 nm thick.
[0166] The hole injection layer preferably comprises a conducting
material. It assists hole injection from the anode into the light
emitting layer. Representative examples of materials that may be
used to form the hole injection layer include PEDOT:PSS, PANI
(polyaniline), polypyrole, optionally substituted, doped
poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDT), in particular PEDT doped with
a charge-balancing polyacid such as polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as
disclosed in EP0901176 and EP0947123, polyacrylic acid or a
fluorinated sulfonic acid, for example Nafion (R); polyaniline as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,873 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,170;
and optionally substituted polythiophene or poly(thienothiophene).
Other suitable materials are summarized in the book by Zigang
L.sup.1 and Hong Meng, Chapter 3.3 page 303-12. Examples of
conductive inorganic materials include transition metal oxides such
as VO.sub.N, MO.sub.x and RuO.sub.x as disclosed in Journal of
Physics D: Applied Physics (1996), 29(11), 2750-2753. Suitable
materials for use as the hole injection layer are commercially
available, e.g. from Plextronics Inc.
[0167] Preferably the hole injection layer is deposited by a
solution-based processing method. Any conventional solution-based
processing method may be used. Representative examples of
solution-based processing methods include spin coating, dip
coating, slot die coating, doctor blade coating and ink-jet
printing. In preferred methods, however, depositing is by spin
coating. The parameters used for spin coating the hole injection
layer such as spin coating speed, acceleration and time are
selected on the basis of the target thickness for the layer. After
deposition, the hole injection layer is preferably annealed by
heating, e.g. at 150 to 200.degree. C. for 5 to 30 minutes in
air.
[0168] The thickness of the hole injection layer is preferably 15
to 100 nm and more preferably 30 to 50 nm
[0169] One preferred interlayer comprises a repeat unit of formula
(P) as described above in relation to the charge transport polymer.
Preferred repeat units are those described as preferred in relation
to charge transport polymers, especially (Pi).
[0170] Repeat units of formula (P) may be incorporated into
interlayer polymers using monomers as described in EP2123691.
[0171] Further preferred interlayers comprise a repeat unit of
formula (U):
##STR00036##
wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from
hydrogen or optionally substituted C.sub.1-16 alkyl wherein one or
more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced with O, S, N, CO and
--COO--, C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.5-14 aryl, arylalkyl, C.sub.5-14
heteroaryl and heteroarylalkyl; and R.sup.4 and Ar.sup.5 are
independently selected from optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl
or optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 heteroaryl.
[0172] In preferred repeat units of formula (U) R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
are the same. In particularly preferred repeat units at least one
and more preferably both of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 comprise hydrogen
or optionally substituted C.sub.1-16 alkyl wherein one or more
non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced with O, S, N, CO and --COO--,
C.sub.1-16 alkoxy, C.sub.5-14 aryl, arylalkyl, C.sub.5-14
heteroaryl and heteroarylalkyl. Particularly preferably R.sup.2 and
R.sup.3 comprise C.sub.1-16 alkyl, especially C.sub.1-16
unsubstituted alkyl.
[0173] In further preferred repeat units of formula (U), R.sup.4 is
optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl, more preferably
unsubstituted C.sub.5-14 aryl and especially preferably phenyl.
[0174] In further preferred repeat units of formula (U), Ar.sup.5
is optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl, more preferably
unsubstituted C.sub.5-14 aryl and especially preferably phenyl.
[0175] A particularly preferred repeat unit of formula (Ui) is
shown below:
##STR00037##
[0176] Repeat units of formula (U) may be incorporated into
interlayer polymers using monomers as described in
WO2005/049546.
[0177] Further preferred interlayer polymers comprise a repeat unit
of formula (X):
##STR00038##
[0178] wherein Ar.sup.7 and Ar.sup.8 represent C.sub.5-14 aryl or
C.sub.5-14 heteroaryl and X' is a crosslinkable or thermosettable
group.
[0179] In preferred units of formula (X) Ar.sup.7 and Ar.sup.8 are
the same. In particularly preferred repeat units Ar.sup.7 and
Ar.sup.8 comprise optionally substituted C.sub.5-14 aryl. When
present, preferred substituents for Ar.sup.7 and Ar.sup.8 include
C.sub.1-16 alkyl and C.sub.1-16 alkoxy groups. Especially preferred
Ar.sup.7 and Ar.sup.8 groups are unsubstituted C.sub.6 aryl.
[0180] Examples of crosslinkable or thermosettable group X' in
repeat unit X include moieties containing a double bond, a triple
bond, a precursor capable of in situ formation of a double bond, or
an unsaturated heterocyclic group. In preferred repeat units of
formula (X) the crosslinkable or thermosettable group X' contains a
precursor capable of in situ formation of a double bond. More
preferably X' contains a benzocyclobutanyl group. Especially
preferred X' groups comprise a C.sub.5-12 aryl group substituted
with a benzocyclobutanyl group, particularly preferably C.sub.6
aryl substituted with a benzocyclobutanyl group.
[0181] A particularly preferred repeat unit (Xi) is shown
below:
##STR00039##
[0182] Repeat units of formula (X) may be incorporated into
interlayer polymers using monomers as described in
WO2005/052027.
[0183] Further prepared interlayer polymers comprise a repeat unit
of formula (R), as defined above in relation to the charge
transporting polymer.
[0184] A particularly preferred repeat unit of formula (R) for use
in the interlayer polymers of the invention is (Rii) as shown
below:
##STR00040##
[0185] A further preferred repeat unit of formula (R) for use in
the interlayer polymers of the invention is (Riii) as shown
below:
##STR00041##
[0186] A yet further preferred repeat unit of formula (R) for use
in the interlayer polymers of the invention is (Riv) as shown
below:
##STR00042##
[0187] Suitable interlayer materials may be synthesised according
to the methods disclosed in the art, for example, in WO2005/049546,
EP2123691, WO2005/052027 and WO00/53656.
[0188] One preferred interlayer polymer of the present invention
comprises repeat units of formulae (P), (U) and (X). Particularly
preferred polymers comprise repeat units of formulae (Pi), (Ui) and
(Xi).
[0189] One preferred interlayer polymer of the present invention
comprises:
10-90% wt repeat unit (Pi); 10-90% wt repeat unit (Ui); and 1-50 wt
% repeat unit (Xi).
[0190] A further preferred interlayer polymer of the present
invention comprises:
30-60% wt repeat unit (Pi); 30-60% wt repeat unit (Ui); and 1-20 wt
% repeat unit (Xi).
[0191] A still further preferred interlayer polymer of the present
invention comprises:
40-55% wt repeat unit (Pi); 40-50% wt repeat unit (Ui); and 5-10 wt
% repeat unit (Xi).
[0192] One further preferred interlayer polymer of the present
invention comprises repeat units of formulae (R), (U) and (Riv).
Particularly preferred polymers comprise repeat units of formulae
(Rii), (Riii), (Ui) and (Riv).
[0193] One preferred interlayer polymer of the present invention
comprises:
10-90% wt repeat unit (Rii); 10-90% wt repeat unit (Riii);
1-20% wt (Ui); and
1-20% wt (Riv).
[0194] A further preferred interlayer polymer of the present
invention comprises:
30-60% wt repeat unit (Rii); 20-50% wt repeat unit (Riii);
5-20% wt (Ui); and
1-10% wt (Riv).
[0195] A still further preferred interlayer polymer of the present
invention comprises:
40-55% wt repeat unit (Rii); 20-35% wt repeat unit (Riii);
10-15% wt (Ui); and
5-10% wt (Riv).
[0196] Preferably the interlayer is deposited by a solution-based
processing method. Any conventional solution-based processing
method may be used. Representative examples of solution-based
processing methods include spin coating, dip coating, slot die
coating, doctor blade coating and ink-jet printing. In preferred
methods, however, depositing is by spin coating. The parameters
used for spin coating the interlayer such as spin coating speed,
acceleration and time are selected on the basis of the target
thickness for the layer. After deposition, the interlayer is
preferably crosslinked by heating, e.g. at 150 to 200.degree. C.
for 30 to 120 minutes in a glove box.
[0197] The thickness of the interlayer is preferably 5 to 50 nm and
more preferably 10 to 40 nm
[0198] The light emitting layer is preferably prepared using a
solution as hereinbefore described. More preferably the light
emitting layer is prepared by depositing a solution as hereinbefore
defined on the anode or, when present the hole injection layer or
interlayer. Any conventional solution-based processing method may
be used. Representative examples of solution-based processing
methods include spin coating, dip coating, slot die coating, doctor
blade coating and ink-jet printing. In preferred methods, however,
depositing is by spin coating. The parameters used for spin coating
the light emitting layer such as spin coating speed, acceleration
and time are selected on the basis of the target thickness for the
light emitting layer. After despositing the light emitting layer is
preferably dried, e.g. at 100-150.degree. C. in a glove box.
[0199] The thickness of the light emitting layer is preferably 50
to 350 nm and more preferably 75 to 150 nm.
[0200] The cathode may comprise any material having a workfunction
allowing injection of electrons into the light-emitting layer. In
order to provide efficient injection of electrons into the device,
the cathode preferably has a workfunction of less than 3.5 eV, more
preferably less than 3.2 eV, most preferably less than 3 eV. Work
functions of metals can be found in, for example, Michaelson, J.
Appl. Phys. 48(11), 4729, 1977. The cathode may consist of a single
material such as a layer of aluminium. Alternatively, it may
comprise a plurality of metals, for example a bilayer or trilayer
of a low workfunction material and a high workfunction material
such as calcium and aluminium as disclosed in WO 98/10621;
elemental barium as disclosed in WO 98/57381, Appl. Phys. Lett.
2002, 8 1(4), 634 and WO 02/84759; or a thin layer of metal
compound, in particular an oxide or fluoride of an alkali or alkali
earth metal, to assist electron injection, for example lithium
fluoride as disclosed in WO 00/48258; barium fluoride as disclosed
in Appl. Phys. Lett. 2001, 79(5), 2001; and barium oxide. A
particularly preferred cathode comprises a layer of NaF, a layer of
Al and a layer of Ag.
[0201] The cathode may be opaque or transparent. Transparent
cathodes are particularly advantageous for active matrix devices
because emission through a transparent anode in such devices is at
least partially blocked by drive circuitry located underneath the
emissive pixels. A transparent cathode comprises a layer of an
electron injecting material that is sufficiently thin to be
transparent. Typically, the lateral conductivity of this layer will
be low as a result of its thinness. In this case, the layer of
electron injecting material is used in combination with a thicker
layer of transparent conducting material such as indium tin
oxide.
[0202] Preferably the cathode is deposited on the substrate by
thermal evaporation. The cathode is preferably 100 to 400 nm thick
and more preferably 200 to 350 nm thick.
[0203] Suitable encapsulants include a sheet of glass, films having
suitable barrier properties such as silicon dioxide, silicon
monoxide, silicon nitride or alternating stacks of polymer and
dielectric as disclosed in, for example, WO 01/81649 or an airtight
container as disclosed in, for example, WO 01/19142. In the case of
a transparent cathode device, a transparent encapsulating layer
such as silicon monoxide or silicon dioxide may be deposited to
micron levels of thickness, although in one preferred embodiment
the thickness of such a layer is in the range of 20-300 nm. A
material for absorption of any atmospheric moisture and/or oxygen
that may permeate through the substrate or encapsulant may
optionally be disposed between the substrate and the
encapsulant.
[0204] Preferred devices of the present invention have one or more
of the following structural characteristics:
TABLE-US-00001 Substrate: Glass surface Anode: ITO Anode thickness:
10 to 100 nm Hole injection layer: Polymeric charge conducting
material Hole injection layer thickness: 30-50 nm Interlayer:
Polymer comprising repeat units (Pi), (Ui) and (Xi) or (Rii),
(Riii), (Ui) and (Riv). Interlayer thickness: 10 to 40 nm Light
emitting layer: Blend of invention Light emitting layer thickness:
75 to 150 nm Cathode: NaF/Al/Ag Cathode thickness: 200 to 350
nm
[0205] Organic optoelectronic devices of the present invention
which comprise a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light
emitter and a compound of the invention are characterised by having
a higher EQE at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 than an identical device which
comprises a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light emitter
but no compound of the invention. Still more preferably the devices
of the present invention which comprise a light emitting layer
comprising 10% wt light emitter and 40% wt of compound of the
invention are characterised by having a 10% and more preferably a
20% higher EQE at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 than an identical device which
comprises a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light emitter
but no compound of the invention.
[0206] Organic optoelectronic devices of the present invention
which comprise a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light
emitter and 50% wt compound of the invention are characterised by
having a substantially identical EQE at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 to an
identical device which comprises a light emitting layer comprising
40% wt light emitter but no compound of the invention. Still more
preferably the devices of the present invention which comprise a
light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light emitter and 50% wt
compound of the invention are characterised by having an EQE at
1000 cd/m.sup.2 that is at least 85% and more preferably at least
90% of the EQE of an identical device which comprises a light
emitting layer comprising 40% wt light emitter but no compound of
the invention.
[0207] Organic optoelectronic devices of the present invention
which comprise a light emitting layer comprising 4.4% wt light
emitter and 39.1% wt compound of the invention are characterised by
having a longer lifetime at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 than an identical
device which comprises a light emitting layer comprising 5% wt
light emitter but no compound of the invention. Still more
preferably the devices of the present invention which comprise a
light emitting layer comprising 4.4% wt light emitter and 39.1% wt
compound of the invention are characterised by having a 2 times and
more preferably a 3.5 times longer lifetime at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 than
an identical device which comprises a light emitting layer
comprising 5% wt light emitter but no compound of the
invention.
[0208] Organic optoelectronic devices of the present invention
which comprise a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light
emitter and 40% wt compound of the invention are characterised by
having a lower drive voltage at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 than an identical
device which comprises a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt
light emitter but no compound of the invention. Still more
preferably the devices of the present invention which comprise a
light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light emitter and 40% wt
compound of the invention are characterised by having a 10%, and
more preferably 14%, lower drive voltage at 1000 cd/m.sup.2 than an
identical device which comprises a light emitting layer comprising
10% wt light emitter but no compound of the invention.
[0209] Organic optoelectronic devices of the present invention
which comprise a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light
emitter and 40% wt compound of the invention are characterised by
having a higher current density at 4 V than an identical device
which comprises a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt light
emitter but no compound of the invention. Still more preferably the
devices of the present invention which comprise a light emitting
layer comprising 10% wt light emitter and 40% wt compound of the
invention are characterised by having a 1.5 times and more
preferably 2 times higher current density at 4 V than an identical
device which comprises a light emitting layer comprising 10% wt
light emitter but no compound of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0210] FIG. 1A is a schematic of a typical bottom emitter OLED;
[0211] FIG. 1B is a schematic of a typical top emitter OLED;
[0212] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an OLED prepared according to the
examples of the present invention;
[0213] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the method used to prepare the
OLEDs in the examples of the present invention;
[0214] FIG. 4A shows a plot of luminance (cd/m.sup.2) versus
voltage (V) for devices having a light emitting layer comprising
varying amounts of compound of the invention and comparative
devices having a light emitting layer without compounds of the
invention;
[0215] FIG. 4B shows a plot of luminance (cd/m.sup.2) versus
voltage (V) for devices having a light emitting layer comprising
varying amounts of compound of the invention and comparative
devices having a light emitting layer without compounds of the
invention;
[0216] FIG. 4C shows a plot of luminance (cd/m.sup.2) versus
voltage (V) for devices having a light emitting layer comprising
varying amounts of compound of the invention and comparative
devices having a light emitting layer without compounds of the
invention;
[0217] FIG. 5A shows a plot of current density (mA/cm.sup.2) versus
voltage (V) for devices having a light emitting layer comprising
varying amounts of compound of the invention and comparative
devices having a light emitting layer without compounds of the
invention;
[0218] FIG. 5B shows a plot of current density (mA/cm.sup.2) versus
voltage (V) for devices having a light emitting layer comprising
varying amounts of compound of the invention and comparative
devices having a light emitting layer without compounds of the
invention;
[0219] FIG. 5C shows a plot of current density (mA/cm.sup.2) versus
voltage (V) for devices having a light emitting layer comprising
varying amounts of compound of the invention and comparative
devices having a light emitting layer without compounds of the
invention;
[0220] FIG. 6A shows a plot of EQE versus voltage for devices
having a light emitting layer comprising varying amounts of
compound of the invention and comparative devices having a light
emitting layer without compounds of the invention;
[0221] FIG. 6B shows a plot of EQE versus voltage for devices
having a light emitting layer comprising varying amounts of
compound of the invention and comparative devices having a light
emitting layer without compounds of the invention;
[0222] FIG. 6C shows a plot of EQE versus voltage for devices
having a light emitting layer comprising varying amounts of
compound of the invention and comparative devices having a light
emitting layer without compounds of the invention;
[0223] FIG. 7 shows a plot of luminance (cd/m.sup.2) versus time
(hours) for a device having a light emitting layer comprising a
compound of the invention and two comparative devices, one having a
light emitting layer comprising a known dendrimer and one having a
light emitting layer comprising only conventional iridium
emitter;
[0224] FIG. 8A shows the spacial characteristics of HOMO levels (as
determined by AM1 QC modelling) in a compound of the invention;
and
[0225] FIG. 8B shows the spacial characteristics of HOMO levels (as
determined by AM1 QC modelling) in a comparative compound.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0226] A cross-section through a basic structure of a typical OLED
1 is shown in FIG. 1A. A glass or plastic substrate 2 supports a
transparent anode layer 4 comprising, for example, indium tin oxide
(ITO) on which is deposited a hole injection layer 6, a light
emitting layer 8 and a cathode 10. The light emitting layer 8
comprises a blend of the present invention. The hole injection
layer 6, which helps match the hole energy levels of the anode
layer 4 and the light emitting layer 8, comprises a conductive
transparent polymer. Cathode 10 comprises a bilayer of silver and
aluminium and includes an additional layer of sodium fluoride for
improved electron energy level matching. Contact wires 14 and 16 to
the anode and the cathode respectively provide a connection to a
power source 18.
[0227] In so-called "bottom emitter" devices, the multi-layer
sandwich is deposited on the front surface of a planar glass
substrate, with the reflecting electrode layer, usually the
cathode, furthest away from the substrate, whereby light generated
internally in the light emitting layer is coupled out of the device
through the substrate. An example of a bottom emitter 1a is shown
in FIG. 1A, where light 20 is emitted through transparent anode 4
and substrate 2 and the cathode 10 is reflective.
[0228] Conversely, in a so-called "top emitter", the multi-layer
sandwich is disposed on the back surface of the substrate 2, and
the light generated internally in the light emitting layer 8 is
coupled externally through a transparent electrode layer 10 without
passing through the substrate 2. An example of a top emitter is
shown in FIG. 1B. Usually the transparent electrode layer 10 is the
cathode, although devices which emit through the anode may also be
constructed. The cathode layer 10 can be made substantially
transparent by keeping the thickness of cathode layer less than
around 50-100 nm, for example.
EXAMPLES
Materials
[0229] The substrate is glass obtained from Corning.
[0230] The anode is indium tin oxide (ITO). The ITO was thermally
deposited on the above substrate. Alternative substrates comprising
ITO may be obtained from, e.g. Praezisions Glas & Optik
GmbH.
[0231] The hole injection layer (HIL) is Plexcore.COPYRGT. OC
AQ-1200, available from Plextronics Inc.
[0232] The interlayer (IL) is described below.
[0233] The light emitting layer was prepared as described
below.
[0234] The cathode is NaF--Al--Ag. These were prepared by
sequential thermal evaporation or sputtering of the materials
listed.
Interlayers
[0235] Interlayer 1 comprises monomers (Pi), (Ui) and (Xi).
Interlayer 1 was polymerised by Suzuki polymerisation as described
in WO0053656
[0236] Interlayer 2 comprises monomers (Rii), (Riii), (Ui) and
(Riv). Interlayer 2 was polymerised by Suzuki polymerisation as
described in WO0053656.
Preparation of a Blend for Making the Light Emitting Layer
[0237] The blend comprises an electron transporting polymer (ETP),
a green iridium emitter (PGIA2) and a compound of formula (I). The
electron transporting polymer was prepared by polymerisation as
described in WO00/53656. It comprises repeating units shown below
in the ratio
(Pi.sub.1-Pii.sub.5-Qiii.sub.10)-b-(Pi.sub.22-Pii.sub.22-Ri.sub.39-Siv.su-
b.1) wherein b indicates block in a block copolymer.
##STR00043##
[0238] The green iridium emitter has the formula shown below. It
may be synthesised according to procedures known in the art, e.g.
from WO2002/066552 or US2011/272686.
##STR00044##
[0239] An alternative blend of the present invention comprises a
polymer which additionally incorporates a light emitting monomer.
The polymer was prepared by polymerisation as described in
GB2435194. It comprises repeating units shown below in the ratio
(Pi.sub.1-Pii.sub.5-Qiii.sub.10)-b-(Pi.sub.22-Pii.sub.22-Ri.sub.38-Tiii.s-
ub.2)
##STR00045##
[0240] The blend was prepared by charging Pi, Pii, Qiii, Ri and
Tiii in the required relative amounts to a reaction vessel,
followed by replacing the atmosphere in the reaction vessel with
nitrogen gas. To this mixture was added THF (which was previously
deoxygenated by purging with argon) followed by
bis-(1,5-cyclooctadiene)nickel(0) (Ni(cod).sub.2). The reaction
mixture was agitated under a nitrogen atmosphere at room
temperature for 30 minutes, then at 60.degree. C. for 3.3 hours.
The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and poured
into a 25 wt % solution of ammonium chloride or hydroxide in 1:1
MeOH:H.sub.2O. Precipitation was induced by agitation over 2 hours,
and the precipitate collected by filtration and dried under reduced
pressure. The precipitate was then redissolved in toluene, filtered
to remove insoluble impurities, and the solution passed through an
alumina column followed by washing with 1N HCl, 2.5 wt % aqueous
ammonium chloride or hydroxide then water. The purified solution
was then poured into methanol to precipitate the polymer, which was
collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure.
[0241] The compounds of formulae (Ie), (If) and (Ig) of the formula
shown hereinbefore were synthesised according to the scheme shown
below.
##STR00046##
Synthesis
Tetrakis-(4-bromophenyl)silane (2)
##STR00047##
[0243] n-BuLi (89 ml, 0.22 mol, 2.5M) was added dropwise to a
solution of 1,4-dibromobenzene (50 g, 0.21 mol) in anhydrous
diethyl ether (500 ml) at -78.degree. C. under nitrogen. After
stirring for 30 min, the reaction mixture was warmed to -10.degree.
C. and SiCl.sub.4 (9.0 g, 0.05 mol) was added dropwise. After a
further 15 min, the reaction mixture was quenched with HCl (250 ml,
1.5M) and ethyl acetate (500 ml) was added. The organic phase was
separated, washed with NaCl (750 ml), dried over sodium sulphate,
filtered and concentrated. The crude oil was purified by column
chromatography (silca-gel 230-400 mesh, hexane) and
recrystallization (EtOAc) to give silane (2) as a while solid (24
g, 17% yield).
[0244] .sup.1H-NMR 400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3: .delta. 7.36 (d, J=8.2 Hz,
8H), 7.56 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 8H).
[0245] .sup.13C NMR 75 MHz, CDCl.sub.3: 125.38, 131.37, 131.41,
137.54.
[0246] GCMS: 652M.sup.+, 573, 495; HPLC: 99.51%.
Bis-4-(4'-n-octyl)biphenylamine (5)
##STR00048##
[0248] A solution of 4'-n-octyl-4-aminobiphenyl (3) (100 g, 0.36
mol), 4'-n-octyl-4-bromobiphenyl (4) (147 g, 0.43 mol), tBuONa (102
g, 1.07 mol) in toluene (3 L), was purged with nitrogen for 30 min.
Pd.sub.2(dba).sub.3 (13 g, 0.01 mol) and
.sup.tBu.sub.3P.sup.+HBF.sub.4.sup.- (6.1 g, 0.02 mol) were added
and the reaction mixture heated at 90.degree. C. for 5 h. The
resulting dark brown mixture was filtered through celite at
80.degree. C. and washed with ethyl acetate (2 L). The filtrate was
washed with water (2 L), NaCl (2 L), dried over sodium sulphate,
filtered and concentrated. The crude material was triturated with
diethyl ether (2 L) to give bis-4-(4'-n-octyl)biphenylamine (5) as
a yellow solid (92 g, 47% yield).
[0249] .sup.1H NMR 300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3: .delta. 0.83 (t, J=6.4 Hz,
6H), 1.25-1.45 (m, 20H), 1.55-1.68 (m, 4H), 2.62-2.73 (m, 4H),
7.05-715 (m, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 8H), 7.44-7.62 (m, 8H).
[0250] LCMS: 546M.sup.+;
[0251] HPLC: 98.38%.
##STR00049##
[0252] A solution of tetrakis-(4-bromophenyl)-silane (2) (25 g,
0.04 mol), bis-4-(4'-n-octyl)biphenylamine (5) (93.3 g, 0.17 mol),
tBuONa (21.9 g, 0.23 mol) in toluene (2.25 L) was degassed by
purging with nitrogen for 30 min. Pd2(dba)3 (1.8 g, 0.002 mol) and
.sup.tBu.sub.3P.sup.+HBF.sub.4.sup.- (0.8 g, 0.003 mol) were added
and the reaction mixture was heated at 90.degree. C. 16 h. The
resulting dark mixture was filtered through celite and washed with
methyl tbutyl ether (2 L). The filtrate was washed with water (2
L), NaCl (2 L), dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and
concentrated. The crude material was purified by column
chromatography (silca 230-400 mesh, 1% EtOAc:hexane) and
recrystallization (EtOAc, 850 ml) to give (1e) as a white solid (38
g, 40% yield).
[0253] .sup.1H NMR 400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3: .delta. 0.89 (t, J=6.6 Hz,
24H), 1.25-1.45 (m, 80H), 1.62-1.68 (m, 16H), 2.64 (t, J=7.6 Hz,
16H), 7.17 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 8H), 7.21-7.25 (m, 32H), 7.49-7.53 (m,
40H).
[0254] .sup.13C NMR 100 MHz, CDCl.sub.3: 14.10, 22.67, 29.27,
29.39, 29.49, 31.48, 31.89, 35.61, 122.23, 125.02, 126.55, 127.71,
128.80, 135.96, 137.32, 137.92, 141.73, 146.37, 148.68
[0255] HRMS: 2511M.sup.+; HPLC: 99.71%.
[0256] Derivatives if, g and h can be synthesized in an analogous
fashion using a similar approach to that described for 1e.
[0257] The blends for the light emitting layer were prepared by
weighing out appropriate amounts of each of electron transporting
(host) polymer, compound of formula (I) and light emitting
compound. These materials were then combined in a vial, solvent was
added and the vial placed on a roller overnight to dissolve the
solids. Prior to device fabrication, the combined solution is
filtered through PTFE syringe filters with 0.45 micron pore
size.
Preparative Example for the Fabrication of Organic Light Emitting
Diodes
[0258] A device having the structure shown in FIG. 2 was prepared.
The preparative process used is set in the flow diagram in FIG.
3.
(i) Depositing and Cleaning of ITO Anode
[0259] The ITO anode was deposited on a glass substrate by thermal
deposition. The ITO anode was then cleaned in a UV-ozone generator
(15 minutes in a USHIO UV ozone generator). The thickness of the
anode is 45 nm.
(ii) Spin Coating and Thermal Annealing of HIL
[0260] The HIL was deposited by spin-coating Plexcore.COPYRGT. OC
AQ-1200, available from Plextronics, Inc., from water in air, to a
thickness of 35 nm. The HIL was thermally annealed at 170.degree.
C. for 15 minutes in air.
(iii) Spin Coating and Cross-Linking of IL
[0261] The IL was deposited by spin-coating interlayer 1 or
interlayer 2, from a 0.6 wt % concentration solution in o-xylene.
Interlayer 1 is present in the devices of example 1, table 1a;
example 2, table 2a; example 3, table 3a; and example 4. Interlayer
2 is present in the devices of example 1, table 1b; example 2,
table 2b; and example 3, table 3b. The IL was thermally
cross-linked at 180.degree. C. for 60 minutes in a glove box. The
final IL has a thickness of 22 nm.
(iv) Spin Coating of Light Emitting Layer
[0262] The light emitting layer comprising electron transporting
polymer, PGIA2 emitter and compound of the invention was deposited
by spin-coating from a o-xylene solution in a glove box as shown
below. Comparative devices wherein the compound of the invention is
absent were also deposited by spin-coating from a o-xylene solution
in a glove box. The precise conditions used for different light
emitting layers are shown below.
TABLE-US-00002 Polymer Solvent Conc w % ETP:PGIA2 [60:40 w %]
ortho-xylene 2.0 ETP:PGIA2 [70:30 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0 ETP:PGIA2
[90:10 w %] ortho-xylene 1.8 ETP:PGIA2:Ie [55:10:35 w %]
ortho-xylene 2.5 ETP:PGIA2:Ie [50:10:40 w %] ortho-xylene 2.5
ETP:PGIA2:Ie [45:10:45 w %] ortho-xylene 2.5 ETP:PGIA2:Ie [40:10:50
w %] ortho-xylene 2.5 ETP:PGIA2 [95:5 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0
ETP:PGIA2:If [55:5:40 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0 ETP:PGIA2:If [75:5:20 w
%] ortho-xylene 2.0 ETP:PGIA2:If [85:5:10 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0
ETP:PGIA2 [70:30 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0 ETP:PGIA2:Ig [55:5:40 w %]
ortho-xylene 2.0 ETP:PGIA2:Ig [75:5:20 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0
ETP:PGIA2:Ig [85:5:10 w %] ortho-xylene 2.0
[0263] The light emitting layer was dried at 130.degree. C. for 1e
and at 100.degree. C. for If and Ig for 10 minutes in a glove box.
The light emitting layer has a thickness of 100 nm.
(v) Deposition of Cathode
[0264] The cathode was formed by formation of a layer of NaF by
thermal evaporation to a thickness of 2 nm, followed by evaporation
of a layer of Al to a thickness of 200 nm and a layer of silver to
a thickness of 100 nm.
Testing of OLED Device
[0265] Current, voltage, and luminance drive characteristics are
collected for device performance screening using characterised
silicon photodiodes and device spectral output characteristics
collected using a calibrated spectrometer system and collection
optics. The device is typically swept through a voltage range, and
IVL data curves are collected, the condition, timings and
parameters under which measurements are made are controlled.
Refined drive characteristics are collected using traceably
calibrated, industry standard, photometry, colour measurement
systems, power supplies and meters.
[0266] Life time is screened using photodiode based measuring
systems, these monitor the device luminance and applied voltage,
while it being driven by calibrated power supplies under specified
conditions (constant current). The environmental conditions under
which tests are carried out are stringently controlled.
[0267] Modelling of HOMO levels was carried out using AM1
semiempirical quantum chemical program implemented in the Hyperchem
software.
Example 1
[0268] The luminance vs. voltage characteristic of OLEDs containing
varying amounts of compound (Ie), (If) or (Ig) in each of their
light emitting layers was measured. Control devices containing no
compound of the invention were also fabricated and their luminance
vs. voltage characteristic measured. The results are illustrated in
FIGS. 4A-4C and Tables 1a and 1b.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 1a Light emitting layer composition Median V @
1000 cd/m.sup.2 1) ETP:PGIA2 (60:40 wt %) 5.0 2) ETP:PGIA2 (70:30
wt %) 4.9 3) ETP:PGIA2 (90:10 wt %) 4.8 4) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (55:10:35
wt %) 4.1 5) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (50:10:40 wt %) 4.1 6) ETP:PGIA2:Ie
(45:10:45 wt %) 4.2 7) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (40:10:50 wt %) 4.2
[0269] It can be seen that adding the compound (Ie) to the light
emitting layer lowers the drive voltage required in devices with
low concentrations of PGIA2 emitter. For example, compositions 3
and 4 both contain 10 wt % PGIA2 emitter; composition 4, with 35 wt
% compound (Ie), has a median drive voltage which is 0.7 V lower at
1000 cd/m.sup.2 than composition 3, in which no such compound is
present. Additionally composition 1 comprising 40 wt % PGIA2 and
composition 4 comprising a total of 45 wt % of PGIA2 and compound
(Ie) can be compared. Composition 4 has a drive voltage that is 0.9
V lower at 1000 cd/m.sup.2. This corresponds to a significant
improvement in device performance, in addition to offering a
significant reduction in cost of compound (Ie) in comparison to
PGIA2.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 1b Light emitting layer composition Median V @
1000 cd/m.sup.2 ETP:PGIA2: [70:30 w %] 5.3 ETP:PGIA2 [95:5 w %] 6.4
ETP:PGIA2:If [55:5:40 w %] 5.2 ETP:PGIA2:If [75:5:20 w %] 5.9
ETP:PGIA2:If [85:5:10 w %] 5.9 ETP:PGIA2:Ig [55:5:40 w %] 4.5
ETP:PGIA2:Ig [75:5:20 w %] 5.2 ETP:PGIA2:Ig [85:5:10 w %] 6.0
[0270] Again it can be seen that adding the compound (If) or (Ig)
to the light emitting layer lowers the drive voltage required in
devices with low concentrations of PGIA2 emitter. It can therefore
be concluded that adding a compound of the invention results in
lower drive voltages in devices that have a low concentration of
iridium emitter in their light emitting layer.
Example 2
[0271] The current density vs. voltage profiles of devices
containing varying amounts of compound of the invention and control
devices, with no such compound, were measured. The results are
shown in FIGS. 5A-C and Tables 2a and 2b.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 2a Light emitting layer composition Median J @
4 V 1) ETP:PGIA2 (60:40 wt %) 1.3 2) ETP:PGIA2 (70:30 wt %) 1.5 3)
ETP:PGIA2 (90:10 wt %) 2.4 4) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (55:10:35 wt %) 5.0 5)
ETP:PGIA2:Ie (50:10:40 wt %) 4.5 6) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (45:10:45 wt %)
4.2 7) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (40:10:50 wt %) 4.1
[0272] It can be seen that reducing the concentration of PGIA2 in
the host polymer results in a small increase in current density.
Adding 35-50 wt % compound (Ie) results in a substantial increase
in current density, suggesting that compound (Ie) improves hole
supply when low quantities of PGIA2 emitter are present.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 2b Light emitting layer composition V@10
mA/cm.sup.2 5) ETP:PGIA2: [70:30 w %] 7.0 1) ETP:PGIA2 [95:5 w %]
6.6 2) ETP:PGIA2:If [55:5:40 w %] 5.7 3) ETP:PGIA2:If [75:5:20 w %]
6.3 4) ETP:PGIA2:If [85:5:10 w %] 6.1 6) ETP:PGIA2:Ig [55:5:40 w %]
5.1 7) ETP:PGIA2:Ig [75:5:20 w %] 5.9 8) ETP:PGIA2:Ig [85:5:10 w %]
6.4
[0273] Again it can be seen that increasing the concentration of
compound of the invention results in an increase in current
density.
[0274] It can therefore be concluded that adding a compound of the
invention improves hole supply and results in higher current
densities in devices with a low concentration of iridium
emitter.
Example 3
[0275] The external quantum efficiency (EQE) vs. voltage plots of
devices containing varying amounts of compound of the invention,
and control devices with no compound but varying amounts of PGIA2
emitter, were measured. The results are shown in FIGS. 6A-6C and
Tables 3a and 3b.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 3a Light emitting layer composition Median EQE
@ 1000 cd/m.sup.2 1) ETP:PGIA2 (60:40 wt %) 21.0 2) ETP:PGIA2
(70:30 wt %) 19.6 3) ETP:PGIA2 (90:10 wt %) 14.0 4) ETP:PGIA2:Ie
(55:10:35 wt %) 17.7 5) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (50:10:40 wt %) 18.3 6)
ETP:PGIA2:Ie (45:10:45 wt %) 18.8 7) ETP:PGIA2:Ie (40:10:50 wt %)
19.1
[0276] It can be seen from compositions 1, 2 and 3 that reducing
the concentration of PGIA2 from 40 to 10 wt % results in a sharp
drop of EQE from 21.0 to 14.0% @ 1000 cd/m.sup.2. Compositions 4-7
all contain only 10 wt % PGIA2, but from 35-50 wt % of compound
(Ie). There is a clear upwards trend in EQE as the concentration of
compound (Ie) is increased, with compositions 6 and 7 having
comparable EQE to devices containing three times as much PGIA2
emitter (composition 2). Composition 7, with 50 wt % compound (Ie)
and 10 wt % PGIA2, has 98% of the EQE of composition 2, which
contains 30 wt % PGIA2. Thus it is demonstrated that the addition
of compound (Ie) increases the EQE of devices containing low
concentrations of PGIA2 emitter in the light emitting layer.
[0277] A similar upwards trend in EQE is also observed with
increasing concentration of compound (If) and (Ig).
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 3b Light emitting layer composition Median EQE
@ 1000 cd/m.sup.2 5) ETP:PGIA2: [70:30 w %] 11.4 1) ETP:PGIA2 [95:5
w %] 3.3 2) ETP:PGIA2:If [55:5:40 w %] 7.3 3) ETP:PGIA2:If [75:5:20
w %] 4.6 4) ETP:PGIA2:If [85:5:10 w %] 3.6 6) ETP:PGIA2:Ig [55:5:40
w %] 7.0 7) ETP:PGIA2:Ig [75:5:20 w %] 5.8 8) ETP:PGIA2:Ig [85:5:10
w %] 4.2
[0278] It can therefore be concluded that adding a compound of the
invention improves hole supply and enables high EQEs to be achieved
in combination with low concentrations of the iridium PGIA2
emitter.
Example 4
[0279] The stability of devices was tested by measuring their
luminance as a function of time. The device of the invention and
the comparative devices were fabricated by the same process but
having light emitting layers as described below: [0280] Device of
invention comprised electron transportingpolymer, PGIA2 and
compound (Ie) (56.5:4.4:39.1 wt % ratio) [0281] Comparative device
A solely comprised electron transportingpolymer and PGIA2 in its
light emitting layer (95:5 wt % ratio) [0282] Comparative device B
comprised electron transportingpolymer, PGIA2 and a dendrimer
(50.2:3.9:45.9 wt % ratio) as shown below which is representative
of dendrimers disclosed in the prior art.
##STR00050##
[0283] The results can be seen in FIG. 7. It can be seen that the
device containing the dendrimer P shown above has a markedly
decreased lifetime, with the luminance dropping sharply and
reaching 0 after around 10 hours. In contrast, the device
containing the compound of the invention has a comparable luminance
vs. time plot as the device which contains no such compound,
illustrating that the presence of the compound of the invention
does not significantly contribute to device degradation over time
in devices with low concentrations of PGIA2 emitter.
Example 5
[0284] The geometries of compound (Ie) and of the dendrimer P were
calculated using the semiempirical AM1 method, followed by
modelling of the spatial characteristics of the HOMO levels. The
results highlighted a significant difference (see FIG. 8). FIG. 8A
shows the spatial arrangement of the HOMO level of compound (Ie),
and shows that the HOMO is predominantly localised in the core of
the dendrons, where it is relatively inaccessible. In contrast, the
spatial characteristics of the HOMO level of dendrimer P is such
that the HOMO extends to the terminal phenyl units of the dendrons,
and hence the "surface" of the dendrimer. Without wishing to be
bound by theory it is hypothesised that this difference in HOMO
spatial arrangement is at least partly why device degradation with
compound Ie occurs at a much slower rate than with dendrimer P. We
suggest the following explanation:
[0285] During hole transport by Ie or dendrimer P, the localisation
of the positive charge is similar to the spatial characteristics of
the respective HOMO level. In the case of compound Ie, the positive
charge will therefore be predominantly localised in the core of the
dendrons, and therefore be sterically shielded from interaction
with negatively charged locations on the electron transporting host
polymer during device operation. In contrast, the positive charge
on dendrimer P has a non-negligible probability of residing on the
"surface" of the dendrimer, and can therefore easily interact with
negative charges on the electron transporting host polymer. Thus
without wishing to be bound by theory, we hypothesise that
interactions between positive charges on hole transporting
materials and negative charges on the host polymer during device
operation may result in changes that contribute to device
degradation.
* * * * *