Significance of irreversible formation of “electromer” in 1-bis[4-[N,N-di(4-tolyl)amino]phenyl]-cyclohexane layer associated with the stability of deep blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes

We demonstrate that injection of electrons in 1-bis[4-[N,N-di(4-tolyl)amino]phenyl]-cyclohexane (TAPC) layer irreversibly induces defect sites responsible for “electromer” emission. We also show that the defects alter the charge transporting properties of TAPC layer to influence the charge balance of iridium(III)[bis(4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridinato-N,C2′]tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate (FIr6) based deep blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PHOLED). The present investigation implies that deep-blue PHOLEDs should be carefully designed for the emission zone to be located far enough from the TAPC layer so as to avoid or minimize the emission from TAPC layer.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We demonstrate that electromer is irreversibly induced by electron injection into TAPC layer. ► The formation of electromer alters charge transporting properties also. ► Device should be carefully designed so as to avoid electron injection into TAPC to get stability.