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Modulation of delayed fluorescence pathways via rational molecular engineering

Author

Listed:
  • Sanchari Debnath

    (Indian Institute of Science)

  • Pria Ramkissoon

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Ulrike Salzner

    (Bilkent University)

  • Christopher R. Hall

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Naitik A. Panjwani

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • Woojae Kim

    (Yonsei University)

  • Trevor A. Smith

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Satish Patil

    (Indian Institute of Science)

Abstract

One of the key challenges in developing efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is overcoming the loss channel of triplet excitons. A common approach to mitigate these losses to enhance the external quantum efficiency of OLEDs is employing emitter molecules optimized for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) or triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA). However, achieving both in the solid state from the same organic chromophore poses a formidable challenge due to energetic and structural requirements needing to be met simultaneously. Here, we demonstrate TADF and TTA in donor-acceptor phthalimide derivatives by employing triphenylamine (TPA) or phenyl carbazole (PhCz) as a donor. Thin films of the TPA-substituted phthalimides doped in the poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix exhibit TADF emission from the singlet charge-transfer (CT) state. On the contrary, PhCz-substituted emitters display dominant TTA-induced delayed fluorescence in the neat film due to long-range molecular ordering that facilitates efficient triplet diffusion. The present study provides insight into how dual TADF-TTA delayed fluorescence can be realized in thin films of molecular semiconductors via rational molecular design.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanchari Debnath & Pria Ramkissoon & Ulrike Salzner & Christopher R. Hall & Naitik A. Panjwani & Woojae Kim & Trevor A. Smith & Satish Patil, 2025. "Modulation of delayed fluorescence pathways via rational molecular engineering," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56987-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56987-4
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