A researcher from NC State University (NCSU) Department of Chemistry has launched a fundraising project on crowdfunding platform Experiment to make environmental friendly OLEDs.

Walter Weare, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry at NC State University, U.S. Please press photo to view video. (Photo Courtesy of Experiment)

By replacing traditional carbon bond-bond methods with oxygen in the form of ketones, the research team from NCSU was able to reduce OLED toxic byproducts, including tin, bromine or chlorine, according to Walter Weare, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, NCSU. The research team found by adding a ketone (a carbon-oxygen double bond) with a metal compound (such as chromium, molybdenum, or tungsten), oxygen was the only byproduct from this new carbon-carbon bond. The team noted the method is similar to the McMurry coupling reaction, but the process is much more simplified.

Another reason contributing to the easier method is the research team relies on microwave heating to reach temperatures necessary for the reaction (~150 degrees Celsius).

Weare projected the new method would also help cut OLED production costs, since traditional methods of making organic molecules involves a much more complicated process that tends to waste a lot of materials. The researcher also hopes the new method can be applied in the study of LED at some point.

The project has raised US$ 1,075 out of the proposed US$ 400 to purchase reaction vials used in microwave reactions. The vials which come in cases of 100 are for single use, and will keep the research team well equipped throughout summer.