Objectives

We aim to develop and optimise families of solution-processable TADF-based OLED materials to produce devices with increased efficiency, high colour purity and enhanced stability, simultaneously. This will be achieved using the broad methodologies outlined below, focusing on the optoelectronic and physicochemical properties of the materials. Addressing these multifaceted and complex issues is of critical importance to the development of new solution processing techniques for the OLED industry to complement vacuum deposition techniques. This requires a cross-sectorial, multidisciplinary approach that is far beyond the capability of a single institution.

The European Doctoral Training Network TADFsolutions will train a cohort of dynamic researchers to devise, develop and implement sustainable solutions for improving the device performance of solution-processed OLEDs. The 10 PhD scientists will undertake multidisciplinary research to meet this design challenge. Despite being cheaper, the current best solution-processed OLEDs (SP-OLEDs) still rely on scarce noble-metal based phosphorescent emitters and underperform compared to vacuum-deposited OLEDs. Starting from bespoke organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter materials, the performance of SP-OLEDs will be maximized based on improved predictive models of charge transport, film processing techniques, and device structures.

A strongly interconnected approach is required not only to effectively train the DFs but to meet the objectives. The TADFsolutions network consists of 8 leading European academics, 2 companies and 8 international partners that are equipped and experienced to not only confront the materials and device design challenges but to provide a robust multidisciplinary and intersectoral training environment to ensure that the DFs have the requisite skills, both soft and technical, to enter the employment market and contribute to securing Europe’s leading role in OLED materials.