TADF Technology for Efficient Blue OLEDs: Status and Challenges from an Industrial Point of View

Abstract

The rise of OLED technology for display applications over the past decade was impressive. Today, OLED displays can be found everywhere, for example, in smart-phones, TVs, smartwatches, monitors, cars, or digital cameras. However, as technology advances, the need for better OLED materials which help to improve energy efficiency and resolution of OLED displays is growing. While for the red and green pixels, phosphorescent materials have allowed for a boost in performance, the use of fluorescent materials for the blue pixel still limits the efficiency of OLED displays. Academic research has demonstrated many improvements regarding the efficiency of blue OLEDs using phosphorescent or TADF materials. However, studies on the limitations of device lifetime are rare. In the present chapter, the development of blue OLEDs based on TADF emitters is discussed from an industrial point of view. First, the material design principles for TADF molecules as well as the requirements for efficient blue TADF emitters are discussed. Moreover, a short literature over-view on the latest improvements in blue TADF materials in academia and industry is presented. Finally, an outlook on this technology, its industrial possibilities, and alternatives is given.