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For the first time, multilayer OLEDs with four solution-processed layers are fabricated step-by-step using slot die coating. A suitable choice of coating parameters and fluid formulation enables the application of different material classes as large-area homogeneous layers with thicknesses in the nanometer range. The AFM measurements of the slot die-coated layers consisting of small molecules showed Ra values of 0.21–0.28 nm, less than previously reported in the literature. Based on a two-layer reference OLED consisting of a HIL and EML, the stack architecture is first extended by a crosslinked HTL. These three-layer OLEDs with a crosslinked HTL achieve 70% higher efficiency, compared to that of the reference devices, thus assuming successfully separated layers. In a further step, an additional ETL is applied via the orthogonal solvent approach to obtain four solution-processed layers. The averaged power efficiency of the four-layer OLEDs is increased by a factor of 2.2 compared to the reference OLEDs up to a value of 3.5 lm/W. Based on these results, it can be assumed that both approaches, the use of orthogonal solvents as well as the application of crosslinkable materials, have been successfully combined to fabricate multilayer OLEDs with four separated slot die-coated layers.

Bis-cyclometalated PtII complexes of dianionic 2,5-bis(aryl)-pyridine ligands (L1–6)2–, carrying various cyclometalating or pending aryl groups, are synthesised in two steps. The reactions of H2L protoligands with K2[PtCl4] in acetic acid give the mono-cyclometalated complexes [Pt(HL)Cl]2. Heating these complexes in hot DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) yields the double-cyclometalated DMSO complexes [Pt(L1–6)(DMSO)]. The reaction of [Pt(L4)(DMSO)] with N,N-dimethylimidazolium iodide in the presence of KOtBu as the base gives the carbene complex [Pt(L4)(Me2Imd)]. Detailed photophysical studies reveal the intense orange luminescence of these complexes in CH2Cl2 solution, with quantum yields up to 0.22, and increased quantum yields of up to 1.00 in glassy frozen CH2Cl2/MeOH (1:1) and up to 0.44 in PMMA matrices. Detailed electrochemistry (including spectroelectrochemistry) reveals reversible ligand-based first reductions at –2.1 to –2.3 V, irreversible Pt-centred oxidations at around 0.8 V and electrochemical band gaps of 2.8–3.0 eV. Further reduction waves at very negative potentials interfere with the solvent (THF with traces of water) discharge and can be traced, with UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry, to Pt-centred reductions for the DMSO complexes and to a second ligand-centred reduction for the Me2Imd complex from. The photo/electrochemical properties can be roughly correlated with the ligand pattern and suggest their use in optoelectronic applications.

In this study, multilayer organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) consisting of three solution-processed layers are fabricated using slot die coating, gravure printing, and inkjet printing, techniques that are commonly used in the industry. Different technique combinations are investigated to successively deposit a hole injection layer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)), a cross-linkable hole transport layer (N,N&prime, bis(4-(6-((3-ethyloxetan-3-yl)methoxy)-hexyloxy)phenyl)-N,N&prime, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)biphenyl-4,4&prime, diamin (QUPD)), and a green emissive layer (TSG-M) on top of each other. In order to compare the application techniques, the ink formulations have to be adapted to the respective process requirements. First, the influence of the application technique on the layer homogeneity of the different materials is investigated. Large area thickness measurements of the layers based on imaging color reflectometry (ICR) are used to compare the application techniques regarding the layer homogeneity and reproducible film thickness. The total stack thickness of all solution-processed layers of 32 OLEDs could be reproduced homogeneously in a process window of 30 nm for the technique combination of slot die coating and inkjet printing. The best efficiency of 13.3 cd A&minus, 1 is reached for a process combination of slot die coating and gravure printing. In order to enable a statistically significant evaluation, in total, 96 OLEDs were analyzed and the corresponding 288 layers were measured successively to determine the influence of layer homogeneity on device performance.

The synthesis and full characterization of new platinum complexes bearing a bulky asymmetric dianionic tridentate ligand is reported. The hindrance of the ligand prevents detrimental intermolecular interactions yielding to highly emitting species in both crystalline state and thin-film. Such properties prompted their successful use in solution-processed OLEDs, showing remarkable external quantum efficiency up to 5.6%.

Triplet emitters based on platinum(II) complexes have gained major attention in recent times. They can form aggregates or excimers, causing shifts in the emitted wavelengths and affecting the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). Even though this effect can be exploited for the construction of white organic light emitting diodes (WOLEDs), it is disadvantageous for applications where color purity is desirable. Terpyridine ligands and their N^C^N and N^N^C analogues have been coordinated to platinum(II), leading to neutral, mono-, or doubly charged species, some of which display bright luminescence. They can form supramolecular structures, such as nanowires, nanosheets, and polymeric mesophases, with interesting optical properties. For low-molecular-weight organoor hydrogelators, the operating mechanism of gelation has been recognized as a supramolecular effect, where the constituting fibers, usually of microscale lengths and nanoscale diameters, are formed in solution predominantly by unidirectional self-assembly. The entanglement of filaments gives a network that entraps solvent molecules within the compartments. As supramolecular gels provide fibrous aggregates with long-range order, they could be of interest in the fields of optoelectronic devices and sensors. In this context, organometallic gelators can display metal–metal interactions that influence their properties. Herein we present a straightforward one-pot synthesis of neutral, soluble platinum(II) coordination compounds bearing a dianionic tridentate terpyridine-like ligand. The coordination of an alkyl pyridine ancillary moiety to the 2,6bis(tetrazolyl)pyridine complex allowed us to enhance the solubility and thus the processability. The synthetic approach involved mild reaction conditions that involved a nonnucleophilic base and an adequate inorganic platinum(II) precursor. Moistureand oxygen exclusion were not required, and the product was easily purified by repeated precipitation (Scheme 1). The emission intensity of the complex attained a

The structure-property correlations of a set of heteroleptic red- and green-emitting Ir(III) complexes with different temperature sensitivities and charge trapping capabilities are described, revealing superb performance in multi-layer phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) expressed by very high maximum luminous efficiencies up to 36.8 cd A(-1). Using 2-phenylpyridine and with 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)pyridine as the C^N ligand, the resulting red emitting complex featured a maximum luminous efficiency of 10.8 cd A(-1); one of the most excellent device performances within this class of red Ir(III) emitters.