Two novel Pt(II) complexes of type Pt[N̂C–O–C′̂N′],
Pt(pzpyOppz-A) and Pt(pzpyOppz-B), were developed for excimer-based
emissions. N̂C and N′̂C′ are the motifs
of substituted pyrazolyl-pyridyl (pzpy) and phenyl-pyrazolyl (ppz),
respectively. The complexes can readily form dimers in a solid matrix,
resulting in an excimer-based emission with high photoluminescence
efficiency. By utilizing dual emission bands corresponding to the
monomer and excimer, efficient phosphorescent organic light-emitting
diodes (PhOLEDs) with a broad spectral emission were fabricated. The
device employing Pt(pzpyOppz-A) achieves a broad yellowish-white emission
with a full width at half-maximum of 152 nm at 3 wt % concentration
and maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE), power efficiency (PE),
and current efficiency (CE) of 20.7%, 43.9 Lm W–1, and 60.1 cd A–1, respectively, at a 5 wt % concentration.
The device with 40 wt % Pt(pzpyOppz-B) therein exhibits an exclusive
excimer-based emission with the maximum EQE, PE, and CE of 25.5%,
55.5 Lm W–1, and 62.3 cd A–1,
respectively. This work shows the molecular art of the Pt(II) complex
for highly performable phosphorescent devices via utilizing the in-situ-formed
dimer in a simplified architecture.