A novel way to enhance electroluminescence performance based on soluble binary and ternary europium 1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetonate

Five rare earth complexes (Gd(acae)(3), Gd(TFacaC)(3), Eu(acaC)(3), Eu(TFacaC)(3) and Eu(TFacaC)(3)bipy; acac, acetylacetone; TFacac, 1,1,1-trifluoroacetylacetone; bipy, 2,2'-bipyridyl) were synthesized. By comparing the phosphorescence spectra of Gd(acac)(3) and Gd(TFacac)(3) the effect of the replacement of hydrogen by fluorine was examined. Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) based on the corresponding europium complexes as emissive layers were also fabricated by the spin-coating method. The triple-layer-type device with the structure glass substrate/ITO (indium-tin oxide)/PVK [poly(N-vinylcarbazole)]/(PVKEu)-Eu-.(TFacac)(3)bipy:PBD[2-(4-bibipyyl)-5-(4-t-butylbipyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole)]/PBD/Al (aluminum) exhibits a brighter red luminescence than those devices with Eu(acac)(3) and Eu(TFacac)(3) complexes as emissive centers upon applying a d.c. voltage.