Optoelectronic Materials: Facile Method Enables Exploration of New Organic-Soluble Graphene

Technology Description:

An exciting method has been discovered that enables facile synthesis of novel azaborine (i.e., nitrogen and boron containing) compounds.  These new compounds include polycyclic aromatic molecules (e.g., graphene-like novel compounds) wherein a number of benzene rings have been replaced by six-membered rings in which a boron-nitrogen group takes the place of a carbon-carbon group.  This replacement provides a family of compounds that solve the problem of graphene’s insolubility in organic solvents.  These soluble compounds share some properties with graphene, but additionally have fascinating new dimensions.  Examples of the new dimensions include enhanced electronic and photophysical properties such as electroluminescence.    

An example of the ability of this new family of compounds is shown in the accompanying PDF.  A polymeric film doped with a compound fluoresces in a bright green hue.  By first protecting the film in certain areas, a pattern of fluorescence can be created.  These novel compounds may be useful for luminescent probes, sensors, electroluminescent devices, hydrogen storage materials, optoelectronic materials, and bioactive molecules.

Technology Advantages:

This technology enables making a broad range of optoelectronic materials with:

  • Super clean process with mild reaction conditions

  • Good control through simple switching on or off of a light source

  • Low cost, easy to handle and stable precursors for making optoelectronic materials and devices

  • Compatible with ink-jet printing to form large flexible devices via roll-to-roll operation

Status of Commercialization:

PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer arm of Queen’s University, has sought worldwide protection of intellectual property that describes aspects of the invention. PARTEQ Innovations is seeking industrial partners who are willing to collaboratively develop or license the technology.

Download the PDF version, with graphic, of this technology:

http://parteq.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/2013-008-azaborine.pdf

Patent Information: