Development of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials with Shortened Emissive Lifetimes.

We have prepared a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) capable molecular system carrying halogen substituents at the carbazole units. The attachment of the halogen atoms considerably decreases the half-life of the delayed fluorescence. The effect is significant. The heavier the halogen, the greater the effect. Our materials have the shortest reported emissive lifetimes for TADF achieved to date. Intersystem crossing (ISC) is improved through the heavy atom effect, yet high quantum yields are achieved both in solution as well as in thin doped films. The simple and efficient synthesis of our targets uses inexpensive and easily obtained starting materials.