Common ground and divergence: OLED emitters as photocatalysts

Abstract

Many photocatalysts were initially developed or employed as emitters for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). This feature article provides an overview of the different generations of OLED emitters and explores the connection between their photophysical processes and those relevant to photocatalysis. The article emphasizes the shared properties of OLED emitters and photocatalysts, highlighting how research in OLEDs has influenced advancements in photocatalysis. In some cases, optimizing an OLED emitter has led to improved photocatalysts, while in other instances, the desired properties for each application diverge. To identify new classes of photocatalysts in the future, it is crucial to understand the commonalities and differences between effective OLED emitters and photocatalysts. In recent years, fully organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have made the most significant impact in both fields, and therefore, they are discussed with particular emphasis.