Resonance interaction between a molecular transition and a confined electromagnetic field can lead to weak or strong light-matter coupling. Considering the substantial exciton–phonon coupling in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials, it is thus interesting to explore whether weak light-matter coupling can be used to redistribute optical density of states and to change the rate of radiative decay. Here, we demonstrate that the emission distribution of TADF emitters can be reshaped and narrowed in a top-emitting organic light-emitting device (OLED) with a weakly coupled microcavity. The Purcell effect of weak microcavity is found to be different for TADF emitters with different molecular orientations. We demonstrate that radiative rates of the TADF emitters with vertical orientation can be substantial increased in weakly coupled organic microcavity. These observations can enhance external quantum efficiencies, reduce efficiency roll-off, and improve color-purities of TADF OLEDs, especially for emitters without highly horizontal orientation.

Five neutral heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes 1−5 using the same cyclometalated ligand and different pyridine-1,2,4-triazolyl derivatives as ancillary ligands with fluorine substituents attached, were rationally designed and prepared. Their photophysical, electrochemical, and thermal properties were studied, and theoretical calculations were performed to understand the emission behaviors as well. Introducing fluorine atoms has little effect on the photophysical and thermal properties, but the performances of the resulting devices can be fine-tuned. Among them, a heavy doping level device employing a phosphor with five fluorine atoms delivers superior device efficiencies with η c = 32.6 cd A −1 and η p = 27.6 lm W −1 , respectively, which is higher than those of other counterparts. Importantly, such a device exhibits almost negligible roll-off in luminance efficiency. Despite nondoped devices achieving good EL performance, more fluorine atoms lead to a relatively higher efficiency roll-off. The results suggest that rational incorporation of fluorine atoms into the ancillary ligands can significantly improve the performance of devices with features of high efficiency and small roll-off.

Organic–inorganic hybrid LEDs are reviewed from the perspectives of organic and inorganic functional materials, interfacial engineering, device structures and device physics.