Luminescent Radicals for Next Generation Optoelectronics

The development of new materials and devices that are relevant towards achieving net-zero either by energy generation OR by reducing power consumption is of critical importance to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Closed shell organic semiconductors have been phenomenally successful in energy related device applications. Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) have become ubiquitous technology and organic photovoltaic devices (OPV) have efficiencies approaching those of conventional inorganic technologies.

In order to move beyond the state-of-the-art it is necessary to overcome the fundamental issue associated with dark, low energy triplet states in these materials.

We propose to create a new family of organic semiconductors and devices based on open-shell materials. The materials have the unique combination of high luminescence efficiency and absence of lower energy dark states meaning that the major loss processes in current generation optoelectronic devices can be overcome. Additionally, the presence of unpaired electrons means that these materials can also be used to optically generate high-spin states for use in quantum applications.

Following on from our initial discovery that organic radicals based on (tris[2,4,6-trichlorophenyl] methyl) TTM can be made emissive through correct chemical functionalization. We propose a series of chemical systems which will achieve improved and unique optical properties. We will then use these new materials to understand and demonstrate their performance in a series of (spin)optical device applications.

Specifically we will aim to design i) highly emissive, stable organic radicals with narrow FWHM for use in display technology. ii) strongly absorbing radical based polymers for use in organic photovoltaics and iii) high-spin radical systems which can be optically manipulated.

Thus we propose a true paradigm shift in organic optoelectronic design and function by moving from closed-shell to open-shell systems. In doing so we believe that we open the door to a new chapter of spin and optically active materials which retain or improve upon all the benefits of traditional organic semiconductors whilst eliminating their biggest problems.