A review was presented to demonstrate a historical description of the synthesis of light-emitting conjugated polymers for applications in electroluminescent devices. Electroluminescence (EL) was first reported in poly(para-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) in 1990 and researchers continued to make significant efforts to develop conjugated materials as the active units in light-emitting devices (LED) to be used in display applications. Conjugated oligomers were used as luminescent materials and as models for conjugated polymers in the review. Oligomers were used to demonstrate a structure and property relationship to determine a key polymer property or to demonstrate a technique that was to be applied to polymers. The review focused on demonstrating the way polymer structures were made and the way their properties were controlled by intelligent and rational and synthetic design.

Synthesis of Light-Emitting Conjugated Polymers for Applications in Electroluminescent Devices

A comprehensive review of the literature on electron transport materials (ETMs) used to enhance the performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is presented. The structure−property−performance relationships of many classes of ETMs, both small-molecule- and polymer-based, that have been widely used to improve OLED performance through control of charge injection, transport, and recombination are highlighted. The molecular architecture, electronic structure (electron affinity and ionization potential), thin film processing, thermal stability, morphology, and electron mobility of diverse organic ETMs are discussed and related to their effectiveness in improving OLED performance (efficiency, brightness, and drive voltage). Some issues relating to the experimental procedures for the estimation of relevant material properties such as electron affinity and electron mobility are discussed. The design of multifunctional electroluminescent polymers whereby light emission and electron- and hole-transport pro...

Electron Transport Materials for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Polymers for flexible displays: From material selection to device applications

Polyfluorene-based semiconductors combined with various periodic table elements for organic electronics

Essentially all methods of energy production—e.g., fracking, damming, drilling, nuclear fission, and excavation of rare elements for photovoltaics—are associated with some degree of environmental degradation. Organic solar cells (OSCs) are regarded as low-cost and potentially environmentally benign sources of power. π-Conjugated (semiconducting) polymers—the components of OSCs responsible for absorbing light and transporting charge—are not typically synthesized in laboratories in ways that are amenable to manufacturing with low environmental impact. This article discusses strategies for producing conjugated polymers using green chemistry. That is, reaction methodology with low energy intensity, with minimal production of toxic waste, and at low cost. This article briefly reviews the major findings in the literature on the energy intensity and carbon emissions associated with fabricating OSCs on the laboratory scale, and identifies several strategies and materials invented by the community to lower the cost and environmental impact of the components of the devices. The principles of green chemistry, applied to the synthesis of conjugated polymers, are identified as important guidelines for the multi-tonne manufacturing of these materials. A general theme in both green chemistry and process research is that low cost can be correlated to environmental benignity when the costs of disposing wastes are high. This Perspective then highlights five synthetic strategies that satisfy several of the criteria of green chemistry: (1) polymerization using metal-mediated cross-coupling reactions that reduce or eliminate stoichiometric organotin waste; (2) the use of heterogeneously catalyzed polymerizations; (3) polymerization involving activation of C–H bonds; (4) use of biofeedstock-derived starting materials; and (5) polycondensation reactions that evolve water as a byproduct.

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Green chemistry for organic solar cells

A new green electroluminescence polymer, CN-poly(dihexylfluorenevinylene) (CN-PDHFV), which denotes poly[(9,9-dihexyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)(1-cyanoethene-1,2-diyl)(9,9-dihexyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)(2-cyaoethene-1,2-diyl)], was synthesized by condensation polymerization utilizing the Knoevenagel reaction. The resulting polymer exhibits good solubility in common organic solvents such as chloroform, THF, and ODCB. The polymer is also easily cast on a glass plate to green film. The UV-vis spectrum of the polymer exhibits characteristically a broad absorption band at 440 nm. This polymer shows photoluminescence around λ max = 535 nm (exciting wavelength 410 nm) and green electroluminescence around λ max = 530 nm. The current-voltage-luminance (I-V-L) characteristics of the polymer show a turn-on voltage of 4.8 V and a brightness of 600 cd/m 2 at 5.8 V in the Al/polymer/PEDOT/ITO device. The highest efficiency was observed to be 0.85 lm/W at 5.6 V.

Jeongmin Ju

Papers

Design, Synthesis, and Electroluminescent Property of CN-Poly(dihexylfluorenevinylene) for LEDs