A multi-resonant thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter with a twisted second-generation carbazole dendron showing suppressed concentration quenching and its use in solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes

Multi-resonant thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) emitters have drawn significant interest for use in organic lighting-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as they typically have bright and narrowband emission. However, their rigid, planar structures result in poor solubility in organic solvents and a tendency to aggregate. This usually results in severe aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), which hinders in particular, their application in solution-processed OLEDs. Herein, a solution-processable MR-TADF emitter 2,7-tBuCzNB has been designed, synthesized and studied. The presence of eight tert-butyl groups and the use of second-generation donor dendrons help enhance its solubility and suppress the ACQ. 2,7-tBuCzNB exhibits narrowband green emission at 493 nm, with a full-width at half maximum of 32 nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield (Φ_PL) of 93% in toluene. The Φ_PL values in 1–10 wt% doped films in mCP are slightly lower but still reach up to 80%. Solution-processed OLEDs using this emitter showed maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQE_max) of 11.4 and 10.6% at 5 and 10 wt% doping concentration, respectively. This work demonstrates a strategy to synthesize solution processable MR-TADF emitters for use in solution-processed OLEDs.