Novel Tetraphenylethene-based Oligofluorene Macromolecules for OLED Applications

• Applicant: Dr. Lukas Biesen
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 527594635

In most societies in the world, we are surrounded by displays, screens and monitors. Our hunger for technology and energy is increasing at an alarming rate, so there is a continuous need for new, more efficient materials for these applications, to make them more sustainable. For this reason, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) technology is of outstanding importance, as the use of rare elements is eliminated. This project addresses this challenge and aims at the preparation and investigation of a novel and efficient material for application as a solution processable OLED emitter. For this purpose, new synthesis concepts are to be developed in order to efficiently and more rapidly prepare the necessary compounds while taking into account the need to conserve resources. After successful syntheses of several derivatives, these are to be comprehensively characterized in order to obtain new, fundamental insights regarding the relationship between the structure of the compound and the observed properties. Thus, valuable insights can be gained for a rational design of functional materials, which can decisively simplify future investigations. For example, the degree of order or crystallinity can presumably be adjusted by varying the number of fluorene units present in the side chains. This will be evaluated and optimized in the project, as it is a crucial factor for the efficiency of the material as an OLED emitter. Finally, the properties of the newly presented materials are to be investigated in an OLED device and thus the validity of the assumptions is to be verified. In addition, this will allow direct testing of the novel materials for potential application. Consequently, this is a promising materials chemistry project in a cutting-edge research context with great prospects for success.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Peter Skabara, Ph.D.