Simple donor–π–acceptor derivatives exhibiting aggregation-induced emission characteristics for use as emitting layer in OLED

•Simple synthesis of 2,2-dicyanovinyl compounds.•Donor–π–acceptor derivatives with aggregation-induced emission characteristics.•Diodes showed electroluminescence response and emission of light was observed.•DFT computation were performed for photophysical property study.

A series of simple D–π–A compounds (D-donor, A-acceptor) were synthesized by a Knoevenagel condensation reaction. A study of the optical, electrochemical and thermal properties of the new donor-acceptor compounds was conducted. Some of the compounds display aggregation-induced emission characteristics. The study of aggregation-induced emission of compounds have been carried out in the mixture of THF (as good solvent) and water (as poor solvent) with different fractions of water ranging from 0% to 90%. When the water content was increased to 80% outstanding emission enhancement under a 365-nm UV lamp was observed. The influence of this type of phenomenon on photophysical properties with the aid of DFT calculations was examined. Feasibility tests concerning the application in an optoelectronic device of the most promising donor-acceptor molecules were undertaken. The diodes with ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TPD/compound:PVK/Al architectures were fabricated.

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