[Abstract]

A newly designed polyfluorene derivative, poly[2,7-(9,9-bis(5-cyanopentyl fluorene)-co-alt)-2,5-dimethyl-phenylene] (CNPFX), was synthesized for use as a host material for a phosphorescent dye, fac-tris(2-phenylpyridine) [Ir(ppy)3], in phosphorescent polymer light-emitting diodes. Efficient energy transfer to Ir(ppy)3 was achieved as a result of improved chemical compatibility via introduction of a polar unit, as well as increased spectrum overlap due to a blue-shift in the emission spectrum. Photo- and electro-luminescent spectra of Ir(ppy)3-doped CNPFX film showed clear green emission from Ir(ppy)3 due to efficient energy transfer, whereas those of Ir(ppy)3-doped poly(9,9-dihexylfluorene) (PF6) film showed blue emission from PF6. The CNPFX:Ir(ppy)3 (8 wt %) single layer device showed significantly improved performance.