Electron Transport Materials for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

TLDR

Electron transport materials (ETMs) improve OLED performance by controlling charge injection, transport, and recombination, with structure–property–performance relationships highlighted across small‑molecule and polymer classes. This review surveys the literature on ETMs that enhance OLED performance. The review examines how ETM molecular architecture, electronic properties, processing, stability, morphology, and mobility influence OLED efficiency, brightness, and voltage, and discusses experimental estimation methods and multifunctional polymer design. The authors highlight future research challenges for advancing ETMs in OLEDs.

Abstract

A comprehensive review of the literature on electron transport materials (ETMs) used to enhance the performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is presented. The structure−property−performance relationships of many classes of ETMs, both small-molecule- and polymer-based, that have been widely used to improve OLED performance through control of charge injection, transport, and recombination are highlighted. The molecular architecture, electronic structure (electron affinity and ionization potential), thin film processing, thermal stability, morphology, and electron mobility of diverse organic ETMs are discussed and related to their effectiveness in improving OLED performance (efficiency, brightness, and drive voltage). Some issues relating to the experimental procedures for the estimation of relevant material properties such as electron affinity and electron mobility are discussed. The design of multifunctional electroluminescent polymers whereby light emission and electron- and hole-transport properties are combined in one material to achieve efficient single-layer OLEDs is also discussed. The review concludes with a brief perspective on the challenges that future research should address.