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Heavy metal free emitters for new-generation light sources

Project description

Improved fluorescent materials for next-generation OLED technology

Fluorescence typically entails the conversion of light at shorter wavelengths to light at longer wavelengths. Certain fluorescent materials exhibit thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), a mechanism that enhances the efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and of fluorescence imaging. Despite its benefits, this mechanism is still poorly understood. What is more, fluorescent materials that exhibit TADF are sensitive to structural changes. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MEGA project will screen and synthesise the most promising TADF compounds, prepare very high-purity sample materials and increase the lifetime of TADF emitters so that they can meet industry requirements.

Objective

Organic heavy metal free fluorescent materials show exceptional potential for use in new-generation light sources, such as organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) and organic lasers. It is anticipated that these new materials will enable organic electronic devices to be constructed with higher efficiency, simpler device structures, lower fabrication costs, and reduced environmental impact.

Amongst the different types of materials currently being investigated, two show particular promise:

• Fluorescence materials exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) for use in OLEDs in displays and lighting devices .
• Fluorescent materials with low thresholds for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) for use in organic lasers in spectroscopy and telecommunication .

However, in order to develop these materials for commercial industrial use, several challenges still remain to be overcome, including:

• Theories explaining TADF and ASE are still in their infancy.
• Organic material samples need to be extremely pure (>99.5%). Consequently, new synthesis routes need to be developed.
• TADF emitters for OLEDs have lifetimes that fall well short of industry requirements.
• Fluorescence emitters for lasers need high available optical gain, solution processability and narrow emission spectra with high efficiency.
• Properties of TADF and lasing materials are very sensitive to structural changes.

Thus, the overall goal of the MEGA project is to help develop organic heavy metal free fluorescent materials for commercial use by tackling these challenges. In order to develop the new materials, the following S&T objectives will be targeted:

• Objective 1: Screen compounds with TADF or lasing properties by means of molecular modelling
• Objective 2: Synthesise most promising compounds with TADF or lasing properties
• Objective 3: Characterise most promising compounds with TADF or lasing properties
• Objective 4: Test materials in device structures to meet industry requirement

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-RISE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018

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Coordinator

KAUNO TECHNOLOGIJOS UNIVERSITETAS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 426 617,14
Address
K DONELAICIO 73
LT-44029 Kaunas
Lithuania

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Region
Lietuva Vidurio ir vakarų Lietuvos regionas Kauno apskritis
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 579 600,00

Participants (12)

Partners (3)

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