Formation and application of electrochemically active cross-linked triarylamine–siloxane films using the Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction

Cross-linked triarylamine–siloxane hybrid thin film have been formed using Piers–Rubinsztajn chemistry. Key to this approach was the use of a ring-opening reaction to prevent the evolution of volatile small molecules. A representative cyclic ether containing biphenyl triarylamine compound was synthesized and on ring-opening was shown to form a smooth, glassy, and electroactive films by cross-linking with tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy)silane (QM*4). It was found that the films were electrochemically active with low glass transition temperatures. Cross-linked films were incorporated into organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) under various conditions and functionality within OLEDs was confirmed. Finally, the resistance of the system to dissolution (orthogonality) was considered by casting F8T2, a p-type emitting polymer, from solution on top of the cross-linked film, which formed a working OLED.