Platinum has been used to help in the creation of highly efficient infrared organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

Experts led by Mark E Thompson in the US have used a platinum-metalloporphyrin complex to develop the infrared OLEDs, which could have applications in a variety of areas, including displays viewed through night-vision devices.

In the experiment, the platinum atom was placed at the centre of a ring of a porphyrin complex, which consists of four nitrogen-containing five-membered rings, connected into one large cyclic structure.

Whereas in the past, OLEDs were 'doped' with fluorescent dyes, the new method relies on phosphorescent doping, which is anticipated to deliver OLEDs that are far more efficient. This is because phosphorescent dyes remain trapped in an excited state and do not easily return to their ground state, meaning they are able to emit light for longer.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd