Highly efficient electroluminescence from green-light-emitting electrochemical cells based on CuI complexes

The complexes [Cu(dnpb)(DPEphos)](+)(X-) (dnpb and DPEphos are 2,9-di-n-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline and bis[2-(diphenyl-phosphino)phenyl]ether, respectively, and X- is BF4-, ClO4-, or PF6-) can form high quality films with photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 71 +/- 7%. Their electroluminescent properties are studied using the device-structure indium tin oxide (ITO)/complex/metal cathiode. The devices emit green light efficiently, with an emission maximum of 523 nm, and work in the mode of light-emitting electrochemical cells. The response time of the devices greatly depends on the driving voltage, the counterions, and the thickness of the complex film. After pre-biasing at 25 V for 40 s, the devices turn on instantly, with a turn-on voltage of ca. 2.9 V. A current efficiency of 56 cd A(-1) and an external quantum efficiency of 16% are realised with Al as the cathode. Using a low-work-function metal as the cathode can significantly enhance the brightness of the device almost without affecting the turn-on voltage and current efficiency. With a Ca cathode, a brightness of 150 cd m(-2) at 6 V and 4100 cd m(-2) at 25 V is demonstrated. The electroluminescent performance of these types of complexes is among the best so far for transition metal complexes with counterions.