New blue host materials based on anthracene-containing dibenzothiophene

A series of novel host blue-emitting materials based on anthracene have been synthesized and investigated in which, a π-electron-rich dibenzothiophene moiety was introduced as a side group to fine adjust the HOMO/LUMO levels of the anthracene and enhance the ability of hole-transport and electron-injection. These materials exhibit good film-forming capabilities, and display strong blue fluorescence in solution. To explore the electroluminescent properties of these materials, sky blue devices of 2-TNATA (60 nm)/NPB (10 nm)/Host: BUBD-1 (40 nm)/Alq3 (15 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (150 nm) were fabricated. For the device with 9, 10-bis(dibenzothiophen-4-yl)anthracene as the host, an electroluminescence efficiency of 13.14 cd/A and 6.76 lm/W at 20 mA/cm2 and 6.09 V were achieved, with Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIEx,y) color coordinates of (x = 0.15, y = 0.30).

Graphical abstractA series of novel host blue-emitting materials based on anthracene have been synthesized and investigated in which, a π-electron-rich dibenzothiophene moiety was introduced as a side group to fine adjust the HOMO/LUMO levels of the anthracene and enhance the ability of hole-transport and electron-injection. These materials exhibit good film-forming capabilities, and display deep blue fluorescence. To explore the electroluminescent properties of these materials, sky blue devices of 2-TNATA (60 nm)/NPB (10 nm)/Host: BUBD-1 (40 nm)/Alq3 (15 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (150 nm) were fabricated. For the device with 9, 10-bis(dibenzothiophen-4-yl)anthracene as the host, an electroluminescence efficiency of 13.14 cd/A and 6.76 lm/W at 20 mA/cm2 and 6.09 V were achieved, with Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIEx,y) color coordinates of (x = 0.15, y = 0.30).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► New blue materials with dibenzothiophene group as side wings were developed. ► Dibenzothiophene wing inhibited intermolecular interactions and increased the charge conductivity. ► In the guest/host emitting system, high EL efficiency sky blue device were fabricated. ► It will be beneficial for the development of the two element white light.