Progress on Phenanthroimidazole Derivatives for Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells: An Overview

Phenanthroimidazole derivatives are currently frequently used chemical compounds in the active layers of various devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs). Their advantages include simple and cheap synthesis, good solubility in organic solvents, easy processing, high thermal stability, excellent electron transport ability, and very good optical and electroluminescent properties. The construction of the LEC is based on a very simple construction in which the active layer plays a significant role. Thus, the compounds used in it are extremely important because they play the role of more than just emitters. This review summarizes the current state of the art regarding phenanthroimidazole derivatives used in the active layer in LECs. The synthesis of the considered compounds is presented in detail in the first part of the review. Next, research on the physicochemical properties of phenanthroimidazole derivatives is presented. Finally, the latest reports on LEC test devices are presented.