Highly efficient non-doped single-layer blue organic light-emitting diodes based on light-emitting conjugated polymers containing trifluoren-2-ylamine and dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide

•A series of blue-light-emitting conjugated polymers were synthesized.•Polymers containing trifluoren-2-ylamine and dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide units.•Highly efficient non-doped single-layer blue devices were fabricated.•The highest maximum current efficiency (CEmax) of 1.99 cd/A was achieved.

A series of blue-light-emitting conjugated polymers based on electron-donating trifluoren-2-ylamine and electron-deficient dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide were synthesized via typical Suzuki coupling reactions. Their thermal, photophysical and electrochemical properties were fully studied. Owing to the excellent thermal stability, film-forming ability as well as the favorable energy levels of the polymers, highly efficient non-doped single-layer blue devices by using these polymers as an emitting layer (EML) were achieved. Among them, the device based on PSFOFN1 showed the highest maximum current efficiency (CEmax) of 1.99 cd/A. Moreover, the device presented small efficiency roll-off with current efficiency (CE) of 1.97 cd/A at high brightness up to 100 cd/m2. In addition, the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of all the devices are very close to the deep blue region. Our findings suggest the potential applications of the polymers in full-color flat-panel displays and organic lighting.

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