Modulating Backbone Conjugation of Polymeric Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters for High-Efficiency Blue OLEDs

Blue conjugated polymers-based OLEDs with both high efficiency and low efficiency roll-off are under big challenge. Herein, a strategy of local conjugation is proposed to construct high-efficiency blue-emitting conjugated polymers, in which the conjugation degree of polymeric backbones is adjusted by inserting different spacers. In this way, the energy level of triplet state and the energy transfer direction of the polymeric main-chains can be effectively regulated. Benefiting from such fine regulation, the prepared alternative copolymers Alt-PB36 with local conjugated main-chains can better suppress the accumulation of long-lived triplet excitons comparing with the complete conjugated polymers. The higher PLQY of Alt-PB36 also verifies the effective energy transfer from the polymeric main-chains to the TADF units. Accordingly, Alt-PB36 based solution-processed OLEDs achieve an EQE(max) of 11.6% and a very low efficiency roll-off of 2.8% at 100 cd m(-2) and 15.2% at 500 cd m(-2). This result represents the best efficiency among blue light-emitting conjugated polymer-based OLEDs so far under high luminance.

Automated summary

A strategy of local conjugation is proposed to construct high-efficiency blue-emitting conjugated polymers. The prepared alternative copolymers Alt-PB36 with local conjugated main-chains effectively suppress the accumulation of long-lived triplet excitons and achieve efficient energy transfer. Alt-PB36-based solution-processed OLEDs exhibit a peak EQE of 11.6% and very low efficiency roll-off rates of 2.8% at 100 cd m(-2) and 15.2% at 500 cd m(-2), representing the highest efficiency among blue light-emitting conjugated polymer-based OLEDs under high luminance.