MEGA · Heavy metal free emitters for new-generation light sources

Organic heavy metal free fluorescent materials show exceptional potential for use in new-generation light sources, such as organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) and organic lasers. It is anticipated that these new materials will enable organic electronic devices to be constructed with higher efficiency, simpler device structures, lower fabrication costs, and reduced environmental impact.Amongst the different types of materials currently being investigated, two show particular promise:• Fluorescence materials exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) for use in OLEDs in displays and lighting devices .• Fluorescent materials with low thresholds for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) for use in organic lasers in spectroscopy and telecommunication .However, in order to develop these materials for commercial industrial use, several challenges still remain to be overcome, including:• Theories explaining TADF and ASE are still in their infancy.• Organic material samples need to be extremely pure (>99.5%). Consequently, new synthesis routes need to be developed.• TADF emitters for OLEDs have lifetimes that fall well short of industry requirements.• Fluorescence emitters for lasers need high available optical gain, solution processability and narrow emission spectra with high efficiency.• Properties of TADF and lasing materials are very sensitive to structural changes.Thus, the overall goal of the MEGA project is to help develop organic heavy metal free fluorescent materials for commercial use by tackling these challenges. In order to develop the new materials, the following S&T objectives will be targeted:• Objective 1: Screen compounds with TADF or lasing properties by means of molecular modelling• Objective 2: Synthesise most promising compounds with TADF or lasing properties• Objective 3: Characterise most promising compounds with TADF or lasing properties• Objective 4: Test materials in device structures to meet industry requirement