A research team has achieved a breakthrough in the search for a more efficient light source for use in consumer electronics thanks to experiments with iridium complex-based organic light emitting diodes (oleds).

Prior to the research it was not known whether oleds, which are currently used in mobile phones and MP3 players, are suitable for use in high-tech applications where several colours are used, such as televisions and computers.

However, the Taiwan-based international team of scientists has come up with a series of iridium complexes that enable oleds to emit the three colours of red, blue and green that such devices require just by changing the ligands.

Research team member Yun Chi, of National Tsing Hau University, told Chemical Science: "Currently, researchers all over the world are expending their efforts in finding high quantum efficiency, true-blue or near infrared phosphorescent materials for various optoelectronic applications.

"We believe that our colour tuning methodology will provide guidance to address the fundamental design logics aimed at these ongoing research goals."

It is also perceived by scientists that as well as consumer electronics, more efficient oleds could provide a greener alternative to existing light bulbs and could be used to make lightweight clothes which can display ever-changing messages.

Caption:

Organic light-emitting diodes may be able to replace the traditional incandescent lightbulb

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