Efficient deep-blue electroluminescent devices based on a novel β-diketone zinc complex

Abstract

A novel zinc complex Zn(PhCzKt)2 with β-diketone unit as chelating group was synthesized, where PhCzKt is dehydrogenation 1-(4-(tert-butyl) phenyl)-3-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol- 3-yl) propane-1,3-dione. Its structure was characterized by 1H NMR, MS and EA. Its UV–vis, PL, thermal stability, and electrochemistry were studied. The luminescent mechanism was also explored by calculations of DFT (density functional theory) and time-dependent DFT. Zn(PhCzKt)2-based electroluminescent devices were manufactured by using evaporation technique. The devices present efficient luminescence with maximum EQE of 1.54 %, and the CIE(x,y)1931 of the EL spectrum is（0.1558, 0.0901), displaying a deep-blue emission.