Aggregation Enhanced Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence through Spin-Orbit Coupling Regulation

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2024 Jul 15;63(29):e202404978. doi: 10.1002/anie.202404978. Epub 2024 Jun 14.

Abstract

Integrating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) into thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters holds great promise for the advancement of highly efficient organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Despite recent advancements, a thorough comprehension of the underlying mechanisms remains imperative for the practical application of such materials. In this work, we introduce a novel approach aimed at modulating the TADF process by manipulating dynamic processes in excited states through aggregation effect. Our findings reveal that aggregation not only enhances both prompt and delayed fluorescence simultaneously but also imposes constraints on molecular reorientation. This constraint reinforces spin-orbit coupling and reduces the energy gap between singlets and triplets. These insights deepen our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing the aggregation effect on TADF materials and provide valuable guidance for the design of high-efficiency photoluminescent materials.

Keywords: aggregation; spin-orbit coupling; thermally activated delayed fluorescence; ultrafast spectroscopy.