Intermolecular interaction-controlled novel azo dyes for use in the high-performance color conversion layers of microdisplays

We synthesized four novel red azo dyes for use in a low-temperature-cured white organic light-emitting diode color conversion layer. The various substituents were introduced into the synthesized dyes to induce steric strain within the base compound for enhancing their solubility. All synthesized dyes exhibited excellent maximum absorption peaks at 521 nm, and AR4, in particular, displayed the highest molar absorptivity of 42 500. Via optimal mixing, the synthesized dyes were used to form red color resists for use in microdisplay color conversion layers. As a white backlight was applied to the optimized spin-coated films, the AR3 and AR4 films, with large dihedral angles between their substituents and diazonium planes, exhibited excellent color coordinates and transmittances, as intermolecular aggregation was inhibited. The color resists fabricated using the AR3 and AR4 dyes also displayed clear micropatterning results, confirming their high compatibility with low-temperature curing binders for use in future display production.