Synthesis and photophysical studies of asymmetric tris-heteroleptic IrIII and heterobimetallic Ir(III)-Eu(III) complexes for application in OLEDs.

• Grant number: 24/18088-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Antonio Marques de Lima
• Grantee: Gustavo Manoel Martines
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

OLED devices represent a versatile technology for lighting and display applications. Ir(III) and Eu(III) complexes stand out due to their promising luminescent properties, making them ideal candidates for high-performance OLED active components. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties, such as chemical stability, high photoluminescence quantum yields, and ligand structure control, are highly attractive and drive their demand. A careful choice of ligands allows for the modulation of the complexes' photophysical properties, expanding their applications. The phosphorescent emission of iridium complexes enables quantum efficiencies of up to 100%. The high quantum efficiency of iridium complexes is attributed to the rapid interconversion between singlet and triplet states due to a high spin-orbit coupling constant. Energy transfer plays a crucial role in OLEDs, while exploring europium complexes promises to improve color purity in these devices, with iridium complexes ensuring strong sensitization via electroluminescence. Additionally, the sensitization of lanthanide ions by iridium complexes paves the way for new applications in luminescent devices. Therefore, this master's project aims to synthesize and characterize new heteroleptic iridium complexes and IrIII-EuIII heterobimetallic complexes for application in OLEDs. To this end, asymmetric heteroleptic iridium complexes with three different ligands will be synthesized, a challenging yet promising endeavor. These complexes will be used to sensitize the europium ion, forming heterobimetallic complexes with interesting luminescent properties.