Solution-processable supramolecular phosphorescent polymer iridium complexes for red organic light-emitting diodes

Several red emission supramolecular phosphorescent polymers (SPPs) as a novel class of solution-processable electroluminescent (EL) emitters were synthesized. The SPPs were formed by utilizing the efficient non-bonding self-assembly between bis(dibenzo-24-crown-8)-functionalized iridium complex and bis(dibenzylammonium)-tethered monomers. The photophysical, thermal and electroluminescent properties were characterized in detail. These SPPs exhibit an intrinsic glass transition with a T-g of ca. 110 degrees C. The photophysical and electroluminescent properties are strongly dependent on the iridium complex content and the host unit structure of supramolecular polymers. The polymer light-emitting diode with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/EML/TPBI/CsF/Al based on SPP1 displayed the best electroluminescent performances. A luminous efficiency of 1.77 cd A(-1) and a maximal luminance of 438 cd m(-2), as well the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.67, 033) were obtained. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.