△ Soohwan Lim (Konkuk University), Prof. Wi Hyoung Lee (Konkuk University), Dr. Jung Hun Lee(Northwestern University, Minsong Kim (Chungnam National University), Prof. Jaseung Koo (Chungnam National University)

A research team led by Professor Wi Hyoung Lee (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, corresponding author) at Konkuk University, in collaboration with Dr. Jung Hun Lee (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, first author) at Northwestern University and Professor Jaseung Koo (Department of Organic Materials Engineering, corresponding author) at Chungnam National University, has developed a breakthrough materials technology using deuterium. Their findings present a novel approach to significantly improving the stability and performance of next-generation display technology. The research was published on November 27, 2024, in Advanced Functional Materials (Impact Factor = 18.5), a leading journal in materials science.

Deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen, has an extra neutron in its atomic nucleus, giving it unique structural properties. Although rare in nature, this distinctive composition has opened new possibilities in advanced materials research. In particular, deuterium has played a critical role in enhancing the stability and performance of electronic devices in next-generation display technologies.

For instance, in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology, replacing hydrogen in the emissive layer with deuterium has resulted in significantly improved thermal resistance, ultimately prolonging OLED lifespan and increasing efficiency. However, conventional methods of introducing deuterium directly into the active layer have been limited due to high production costs.

To address this challenge, the research team proposed an innovative phase separation structure by blending deuterium-enriched insulating polymers (PMMA, PS) with organic semiconductors. This method eliminates the need to introduce deuterium directly into the active layer while simultaneously improving charge carrier mobility, thermal stability, and long-term operating stability under sustained voltage conditions.

Experimental results demonstrated that deuterated polymers exhibit enhanced thermal properties, along with improved insulating properties, which are intrinsically linked to improved device performance. In addition, the device performance remained stable even under prolonged voltage application. This approach is compatible with existing production process and offers a low-cost, yet high-performance and durable solution for future display technologies.

It is expected that this breakthrough will play a key role in the development of switching devices for the next generation of flexible displays. Deuterium-enhanced transistor technology offers both high performance and stability. This makes it particularly effective in applications where flexibility and durability are critical. This innovation has the potential to redefine electronic device performance and drive a new industrial paradigm in materials engineering, beyond the display industry.

The study was led by Professor Wi Hyoung Lee (Konkuk University) and Prof. Jaseung Koo (Chungnam National University) as corresponding authors. Dr. Jung Hun Lee, the first author, earned his Ph.D. at Seoul National University after completing his undergraduate studies in Organic Nano System Engineering at Konkuk University. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University. Additionally, Soohwan Lim (Konkuk University) and Minsong Kim (Chungnam National University) contributed as co-first authors. Quantum mechanical calculations related to deuterium substitution were performed by Professor Hoonkyung Lee’s team in the Department of Physics at Konkuk University.

This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Mid-Career Research Program and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Neutron scattering experiments were conducted in collaboration with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.