Solid-state electroluminescent devices based on transition metal complexes

Transition metal complexes have emerged as promising candidates for applications in solid-state electroluminescent devices. These materials serve as multifunctional chromophores, into which electrons and holes can be injected, migrate and recombine to produce light emission. Their device characteristics are dominated by the presence of mobile ions that redistribute under an applied field and assist charge injection. As a result, an efficiency of 10 lm/W--among the highest efficiencies reported in a single layer electroluminescent device--was recently demonstrated. In this article we review the history of electroluminescence in transition metal complexes and discuss the issues that need to be addressed for these materials to succeed in display and lighting applications.     

Efficient green-blue-light-emitting cationic iridium complex for light-emitting electrochemical cells

A highly luminescent novel cationic iridium complex [iridium bis(2-phenylpyridine)(4,4'-(dimethylamino)-2,2'-bipyridine)]PF6 was synthesized and characterized using NMR, UV-visible absorption, and emission spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. This complex displays intense photoluminescence maxima in the green-blue region of the visible spectrum and exhibits unprecedented phosphorescence quantum yields, 80 +/- 10% with an excited-state lifetime of 2.2 mus in a dichloromethane solution at 298 K. Single-layer light-emitting electrochemical cells with the charged complex as conducting and electroluminescent material sandwiched between indium-tin oxide and Ag electrodes were fabricated, which emit green-blue light with an onset voltage as low as 2.5 V. Density functional theory calculations were performed to provide insight into the electronic structure of the [iridium bis(2-phenylpyridine)(4,4'-(dimethylamino)-2,2'-bipyridine)]PF6 complex, comparing these results with those obtained for [iridium bis(2-phenylpyridine)(4,4'-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine)]PF6.     

The direct electrochemical synthesis of cationic complexes of metal ions

Transition and main group metals can be oxidised electrochemically in cells containing HBF₄ in dimethylsulphoxide; the direct products are the [M(dmso)₆]ⁿ⁺ salts with BF₄ staggered|⁻, but products such as [M(bipy)₃]ⁿ⁺, [M(en)₃]ⁿ⁺ and [M(diphos)_m]ⁿ⁺ can be obtained by subsequent reaction (M ≠ n = 2,3).     

Mechanism of electrochemical charge transport in individual transition metal complexes

We used electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) to elucidate the mechanism of electron transport through individual pyridyl-based Os complexes. Our tunneling data obtained by two-dimensional electrochemical STS and STM imaging lead us to the conclusion that electron transport occurs by thermally activated hopping. The conductance enhancement around the redox potential of the complex, which is reminiscent of switching and transistor characterics in electronics, is reflected both in the STM imaging contrast and directly in the tunneling current. The latter shows a biphasic distance dependence, in line with a two-step electron hopping process. Under conditions where the substrate/molecule electron transfer (ET) step is dominant in determining the overall tunneling current, we determined the conductance of an individual Os complex to be 9 nS (Vbias = 0.1 V). We use theoretical approaches to connect the single-molecule conductance with electrochemical kinetics data obtained from monolayer experiments. While the latter leave some controversy regarding the degree of electronic coupling, our results suggest that electron transport occurs in the adiabatic limit of strong electronic coupling. Remarkably, and in contrast to established ET theory, the redox-mediated tunneling current remains strongly distance dependent due to the electronic coupling, even in the adiabatic limit. We exploit this feature and apply it to electrochemical single-molecule conductance data. In this way, we attempt to paint a unified picture of electrochemical charge transport at the single-molecule and monolayer levels.     

Coordination chemistry and functionalization of white phosphorus via transition metal complexes

The chemistry of phosphorus is nowadays rivaling that of carbon in terms of complexity and diversity. This tutorial review highlights the state-of-the-art in the field of metal-mediated activation and functionalization of white phosphorus. Particular attention is given to an illustration of the coordination abilities of the intact molecule as well as the disaggregating and reaggregating metal-mediated processes resulting in different polyphosphorus ligands from P(1) to P(12). The metal-promoted P-C and P-H bond forming processes are also reviewed showing that an ecoefficient catalytic protocol for transforming P(4) into high value organophosphorus compounds is a concrete possibility for chemical companies.This tutorial review deals with the activation and functionalization of white phosphorus in the coordination sphere of transition metal complexes. Particular attention is given to the coordination abilities of the intact molecule as well as to the disaggregating and reaggregating metal-mediated processes yielding various polyphosphorus ligands from P(1) to P(12). The metal-promoted processes for P-C and P-H bond formation are also reviewed showing that an ecoefficient catalytic protocol for transforming P(4) into high value organophosphorus compounds offers good opportunities for chemical companies.     

Insight into luminescent iridium complexes: Their potential in light-emitting electrochemical cells

Cyclometallated iridium complexes possess fascinating electrochemical and photophysical properties that make them excellent candidates for a variety of photonic and optoelectronic applications. In particular, light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEECs) based on iridium-containing ionic transition-metal complexes (Ir-iTMCs) are a promising alternative to conventional organic light-emitting diodes with several advantages, including a simpler device structure, solution processability, and reduced manufacturing costs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the current status of Ir-iTMC-based LEECs using the archetypal complex [Ir(ppy)₂(bpy)]PF₆ as a reference emitter. After a discussion of the device fundamentals and important photophysical and device parameters, key strategies for tuning the emission characteristics and device stability through LUMO and HOMO stabilization/destabilization are presented using numerous examples from the literature, with a particular focus on ligand modification with hydrophobic, electron-withdrawing, and electron-donating substituents, π-stacking interactions, and alternative ancillary and cyclometalated ligand skeletons. Comprehensive data tables summarizing the photophysical and LEEC properties of the various classes of iridium complexes reported to date are also provided. Finally, in an effort to highlight promising directions for future research, the current champion iridium complexes for fabricating state-of-the-art LEECs are identified, and the merits and limitations of existing approaches are discussed.     

Functionalization of white phosphorus in the coordination sphere of transition metal complexes

This review highlights the stoichiometric functionalization of both white phosphorus and naked P_n fragments derived from the metal-mediated demolition of the P₄ tetrahedron. In a first section, the alkylation of P_n ligands is discussed giving specific examples such as: (i) the electrophilic alkylation of η³-P₃ or, μ,η³-P₃ ligands: (ii) the transfer of a methyl group from molybdenum to η⁵-P₅ ligands to yield a norbornadiene-like μ₃,η⁴:η¹:η¹-MeP₇ ligand; (iii) the formation of P-C or P-H bonds mediated by rhodium and iron complexes; (iv) the use of ammonium salts to transfer an alkyl to polyphosphido clusters. Different methods to functionalise white phosphorus or other P_n ligands, including the cyclization of acrolein with diphosphenes and the insertion of CO or carbenes across P-P, P-M bonds, and P-E bonds (E = S, Se), are illustrated in appropriate sections. Finally, the last part of the article, reports on the astounding coupling of alkynes and phosphalkynes with P_n ligands which is a versatile, not yet completely explored, method to form an unprecedented variety of carbon-phosphorus heterocycles.     

The efficiency of light-emitting electrochemical cells

We report on the efficiency behavior of light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) fabricated from a methyl-substituted ladder-type poly(p-phenylene) (mLPPP) that was blended with a crown ether based solid state electrolyte. Unlike organic light-emitting diodes (oLEDs) utilizing mLPPP as an active layer, the LECs suffer from a loss of efficiency at elevated current densities. From scan rate dependent studies we deduce that this efficiency drop is not only due to device decomposition upon high voltage operation and we also reveal the intrinsic mode of LEC operation. The decreasing width of the intrinsic region between the p- and n-type doped zones upon ongoing pin-junction formation causes distinct (either field or electrode induced) luminance quenching effects.     

Electrical properties of electrochemically doped organic semiconductors using light-emitting electrochemical cells

We present a study of the electrical properties of electrochemically doped conjugated polymers using polymeric light-emitting electrochemical cells (PLECs) and interpreting the results according to a phenomenological model (PM) which assumes that, above the device turn-on voltage, the bulk transport properties of the doped organic semiconductor are responsible for the main contribution to the whole device conductivity. To confirm the predictions of this model, the dependence of the conductivity of PLECs with different parameters is evaluated and compared with the behavior expected for a doped semiconducting polymeric material. The organic semiconductor doping level, the blend concentration of organic semiconducting molecules, the device thickness, the charge carrier mobility, and the temperature are the parameters varied to perform this analysis. We observed that the device conductivity is independent of the active layer thickness, weakly dependent on the temperature, but strongly dependent on the semiconductor doping level, on the semiconductor fraction in the blend, and on the intrinsic charge carrier mobility. These results were well described by the variable range hopping (VRH) model, which has been widely employed to describe the charge transport in doped semiconducting polymeric materials, confirming the prediction of the phenomenological model. The current analysis demonstrates that PLECs are a suitable system for studying, in situ, the electrochemical doping of semiconducting polymers, permitting the evaluation of material properties as, for instance, the density of electronic charge carriers (and, consequently, the ionic charge carrier concentration) necessary to achieve the maximum electrochemical doping level of the organic semiconductor.     

Divalent transition metal complexes

4-(4-ethoxy-phenylhydrazono)-1-phenyl-3-methyl-1H-pyrazolin-5(4H)-one (5a) (H-EMPhP) as ligand and its Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes 4(a-c) were synthesized and characterized by their thermal and spectral properties. The azocoupling product (H-EMPhP), able of azo-hydrazone tautomerism 5(a-d), act as a bidentate ligand involving in coordination the azogroup nitrogen of its common anion (7) and the oxygen atom that is bound to the pyrazole ring of the mentioned anion (7).     

Identifying and alleviating electrochemical side-reactions in light-emitting electrochemical cells

We demonstrate that electrochemical side-reactions involving the electrolyte can be a significant and undesired feature in light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs). By direct optical probing of planar LECs, comprising Au electrodes and an active material mixture of {poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) + poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) + KCF3SO3}, we show that two direct consequences of such a side-reaction are the appearance of a "degradation layer" at the negative cathode and the formation of the light-emitting p-n junction in close proximity to the cathode. We further demonstrate that a high initial drive voltage and a high ionic conductivity of the active material strongly alleviate the extent of the side reaction, as evidenced by the formation of a relatively centered p-n junction, and also rationalize our findings in the framework of a general electrochemical model. Finally, we show that the doping concentrations in the doped regions at the time of the p-n junction formation are independent of the applied voltage and relatively balanced at approximately 0.11 dopants/MEH-PPV repeat unit in the p-type region and approximately 0.15 dopants/MEH-PPV repeat unit in the n-type region.     

Near-UV to red-emitting charged bis-cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes for light-emitting electrochemical cells

Herein we report a series of charged iridium complexes emitting from near-UV to red using carbene-based N^C: ancillary ligands. Synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties of this series are described in detail together with X-ray crystal structures. Density Functional Theory calculations show that the emission originates from the cyclometallated main ligand, in contrast to commonly designed charged complexes using bidentate N^N ancillary ligands, where the emission originates from the ancillary N^N ligand. The radiative process of this series of compounds is characterized by relatively low photoluminescence quantum yields in solution that is ascribed to non-radiative deactivation of the excited state by thermally accessible metal-centered states. Despite the poor photophysical properties of this series of complexes in solution, electroluminescent emission from the bluish-green to orange region of the visible spectrum is obtained when they are used as active compounds in light-emitting electrochemical cells.     

Polyoxometalate tri-supported transition metal complexes containing mixed-valent transition metal ions

Three compounds, [AsMo₈V₆O₄₂][Cu(2,2?-bpy)₂]₂[Cu(2,2?-bpy)]·4H₂O (1), [PMo₈V₆O₄₂][Cu(2,2?-bpy)₂]₂[Cu(2,2?-bpy)]·3H₂O (2) and [PMo₈V₆O₄₂][Cu(2,2?-bpy)₂]₂[Cu(2,2?-bpy)]·3.5H₂O (3), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by IR, UV–vis, XRD, TG, elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis reveals that 1 and 2 are isostructural and isomorphous, whereas 2 and 3 are polymorphs. Polymorphs of 1 have not been synthesized yet. The mixed-valent transition metal ion in 1–3 has been further confirmed by TG analyses. Catalytic properties of 1 and 2 have also been studied.     

Bridging vinylalkylidene transition metal complexes

Vinylalkylidene transition metal complexes have been extensively used as ‘multitalent tools’ in organic synthesis, covering a broad field of applications. The vinylalkylidene ligands can be monodentate; alternatively they can adopt a bridging coordination mode in complexes with two adjacent metal atoms. As for other unsaturated organic ligands which can bond in both mono- and di-nuclear modes, the bridging coordination can give rise to new and different chemical properties from those found when the ligand is bound to a single metal centre. Likewise, the synthetic routes to bridging vinylalkylidene complexes offer a broader range of possibilities compared to those used to make mononuclear vinylalkylidenes. In spite of the fact that bridging vinylalkylidene complexes have been known for about 40 years, their synthetic potential as C₃ activated fragments has so far been under-exploited. Comparison with other C₃ bridged ligands (allenyls and allyls) indicates that vinylalkylidene ligands are reactive and versatile species. This review article gives an overview of the chemistry of bridging vinylalkylidene complexes to focus attention on their potential as synthetic tools.     

Fluorenone hydrazine-S-benzyldithiocarbazate transition metal complexes

Summary New Cu^II, Co^II, Ni^II, Cd^II, Zn^II, Hg^II, Pd^II and UO ₂ ^II complexes of the Schiff base ligand (FBz) formed by condensation of fluorenone withS-benzyldithiocarbazate have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic and spectroscopic measurements. The Cu(FBz)₂(Cl)₂ complex is paramagnetic. The Ni(FBz-H)₂ complex is diamagnetic, four-coordinate and square planar. The Co^II ion is oxidized in the presence of the Schiff base with the concomitant formation of Co^III complex of empirical formulae Co(FBz)Cl₃OH₂. The ligand was tested as a corrosion inhibitor for copper. Inhibition efficiency was calculated and the limiting concentration of FBz to give maximum efficiency was 10^–3 mol dm^–3 at 25°C. The polarographic reduction of FBz was investigated in Britton-Robinson buffer solutions of pH 3–10. The polarograms at dme indicated that the depolarizer is reduced through two two-electron irreversible diffusion-controlled waves. The mechanistic pathway of the electrode reaction is commensurate with this result.     

New vic-dioxime transition metal complexes

New vic-dioxime ligands and their Cu^II, Co^III, Ni^II and VO^IV complexes have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, i.r. and u.v. spectra, magnetic moments and molar conductance data. The Co^III complexes are diamagnetic. The ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. and g.c./m.s. spectra of the vic-dioxime ligands and their Co^III complexes were recorded. The compounds are all non-electrolytes.     

New cationic group 4 metal alkyl complexes

Cationic group 4 metal alkyl complexes containing tetradentate Schiff base ligands, (acen) Zr(R)⁺ and (F6-acen) Zr(R)⁺, are prepared by protonolysis of suitable neutral dialkyl precursors. These complexes display electrophilic behavior and are moderately active ethylene polymerization catalysts in the presence of 1 molar equivalent of AlR₃.     

Bimacrocyclic NHC transition metal complexes

The preparation of seven concave NHC metal complexes derived from bimacrocyclic imidazolinium salt 1 is reported. The silver complex 2, obtained in 86% yield by reacting 1 with silver(I) oxide, was used to give copper complex 3, rhodium complex 5 and iridium complex 6 by transmetalation in good yields. Palladium complex 4 was obtained by reaction of the azolium salt 1 with palladium dichloride in 3-chloropyridine. The rhodium and iridium dicarbonyl complexes 7 and 8 were prepared via ligand exchange from the COD complexes 5 and 6. Silver complex 2, copper complex 3 and palladium complex 4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Silver complex 2 and copper complex 3 were tested in the cyclopropanation of styrene and indene with EDA (ethyl diazoacetate), where good results were obtained with 3, while low conversion and catalyst decomposition was observed with 2.     

Synthesis and electrochemical studies of a new series of pendantarmed hexaazamacrocyclic transition metal complexes

Summary The synthesis of a new series of 14- and 16-membered hexaazamacrocyclic complexes has been achieved by the template condensation of ethylenediamine or 1,3-propylenediamine with formaldehyde and acetamide in a 121 molar ratio in the presence of metal chlorides. Octahedral structural formulae for selective metal complexes are proposed on the basis of physico-chemical and spectroscopic data. The redox behaviour in DMSO solution of the Cu^II complexes has been studied by cyclic voltammetry.     

Tandem transition metal catalyzed isomerization and cationic polymerization

A wide variety of mono-, di- and multifunctional allyl ethers and related compounds are readily polymerized using a newly discovered polymerization reaction which has been termed: a transition metal-catalyzed tandem isomerization and cationic polymerization. Employing dicobalt octacarbonyl in combination with organosilanes, the polymerization of these monomers takes place rapidly to give high molecular weight polymers.