Advances in polymeric white light-emitting OLEDS for high-efficiency lighting applications

Abstract

White organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional lighting and display technologies, offering advantages such as low power consumption, flexible design, and broad-spectrum emission that closely mimics natural daylight. However, achieving high luminance (≥ 100 lm/W), extended operational lifetimes (≥ 100,000 h), and cost-effective large-scale manufacturing remains a significant challenge. This review examines recent advancements in polymer-based WOLEDs, with a particular focus on semiconductor polymers as next-generation materials for achieving efficient white light emissions. Unlike traditional small-molecule WOLEDs, polymer-based systems offer solution-processable fabrication techniques, such as roll-to-roll printing and inkjet deposition, enabling scalable and cost-effective production. Key innovations discussed include thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) polymers, which enhance efficiency while maintaining spectral stability. Comparative analyses highlight how polymeric architectures can address color instability in multi-emitter systems and synthetic complexity in single-component emitters, positioning them as a more practical alternative for large-area applications. Furthermore, this review bridges the gap between laboratory-scale research and industrial commercialization, outlining strategies to improve charge transport, molecular stability, and device lifetime. Future research directions emphasize scalability, environmentally sustainable fabrication, and integration into next-generation lighting solutions. By evaluating the latest developments and identifying key challenges, this review provides a structured roadmap for advancing WOLED technology from experimental research to real-world applications. The insights presented herein hold global relevance for the advancement of sustainable energy solutions, aligning with international efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward eco-friendly optoelectronic materials.