Manipulating Carrier Recombination Dynamics Through Rational Dual‐Trap Engineering in Exciplex Heterojunction for High‐Performance OLEDs

G Guohao Chen T Tong Wang Z Zhihai Yang (Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China) Z Zhizhi Li (Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China) S Shaofeng Chen (Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy & Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China) Y Yuchen Jiang Z Zijian Chen (State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering) Y Yu Fu M Mengke Li J Junji Kido (Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China) S Shi‐Jian Su (Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China)

Abstract

ABSTRACT While trap states are traditionally considered as performance‐limiting defects in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), this work presents a dual‐trap exciplex heterojunction system that strategically engineers trap states to enhance device performance. The tailored electron (4CzTPNBu in p‐type host) and hole (PO‐01 in n‐type host) traps are employed for interfacial bidirectional carrier capture synergistically without compromising carrier transport in the exciplex heterojunction system. This innovative design converts interfacial traps into immediate radiative trap‐assisted recombination (TAR) centers with significant expansion of exciton recombination zone, simultaneously preventing carrier transport imbalance and charge accumulation. The yellow OLEDs demonstrate cutting‐edge 33.9% external quantum efficiency (EQE), and 453.6 h operational lifetime (LT 90 at 1000 cd m −2 ) representing a ninefold enhancement over conventional architectures. Through ideality factor analysis complemented by single‐carrier device and transient electroluminescence studies, the fundamental charge transport physics and trap‐mediated dynamics are unraveled. Implementation of dual‐trap in narrow‐band hyperfluorescent systems also enables EQEs surpassing 36% and mitigated efficiency roll‐off, along with prolonged LT 90 of 178.7 h. The dual‐trap methodology successfully merges the advantages for twin emitters and achieves a win‐win scenario for efficiency and lifetime, providing a promising paradigm for future high‐performance OLED development.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 36
Published June 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (11)

G

Guohao Chen

T

Tong Wang

Z

Zhihai Yang

Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China

Z

Zhizhi Li

Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China

S

Shaofeng Chen

Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy & Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China

Y

Yuchen Jiang

Z

Zijian Chen

State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials, School of Chemical Engineering

Y

Yu Fu

M

Mengke Li

J

Junji Kido

Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China

S

Shi‐Jian Su

Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Energy and Information Polymer Materials Institute of Polymer Optoelectronic Materials and Devices State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices South China University of Technology Guangzhou P. R. China