Platinum Poly-yne Featuring N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands: Synthesis, Properties, and Organic Light-Emitting Diode Application

We report the synthesis, characterization, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) application of the first example of a platinum poly-yne (NPtAP) featuring N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. NPtAP was synthesized via the Cu(I)-catalyzed AA/BB type polymerization reaction with M-n = 8400 g mol(-1) and D = 1.6. The bulky and strong sigma-donating NHC ligands bearing chiral 2-ethylhexyl substituents help to limit the interchain interaction and destabilize the nonemissive metal-centered d-d state, resulting in enhancement of the photoluminescence quantum yield of the platinum poly-yne. The prototype solution-processed OLEDs employing NPtAP as the emitter were successfully fabricated and display yellow-green electroluminescence (EL).

Automated summary

In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and application of platinum poly-yne (NPtAP) as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) emitter were successfully demonstrated. The use of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands with chiral 2-ethylhexyl substituents helped enhance the photoluminescence quantum yield of the platinum poly-yne, while limiting interchain interactions. The prototype solution-processed OLEDs employing NPtAP displayed yellow-green electroluminescence (EL).