LG Display-LG Chem Successfully Localize Core OLED Materials Previously Dependent on Imports

Exclusive Overseas Supplier of OLED Core Material 'p-Dopant' Independently Developed

LG Display and LG Chem have succeeded in domesticating the core material of organic light-emitting diode (OLED), which had been monopolized by overseas companies.

On the 9th, LG Display and LG Chem announced that they have developed the OLED core material ‘p-dopant’ independently, which had been entirely dependent on imports. Dopants are compounds added to the OLED emitting layer to improve device efficiency, color purity, and lifespan. Among them, p-dopants play the most crucial role in dramatically enhancing OLED emission efficiency, extending device lifespan, and reducing power consumption. However, due to their tendency to easily deteriorate in air, they are considered one of the most difficult OLED materials to develop.

Researchers from LG Display and LG Chem analyzing p-dopants at Magok LG Science Park.

After more than 10 years of joint research aiming to domesticate p-dopants, LG Display and LG Chem succeeded in developing materials with efficiency and performance equivalent to imported materials using their own technology. LG Display proposed material design and verified performance, while LG Chem was responsible for material synthesis and production, maximizing synergy between the two companies.

Yoon Soo-young, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vice President of LG Display, said, “Since successfully mass-producing the world’s first 55-inch OLED TV panel in 2013, we have consolidated our technology accumulated over 10 years to independently develop core materials, thereby further strengthening our OLED technology leadership.”

With the domestication of p-dopants, LG Display has added new momentum to lead the global OLED market by establishing an independent and stable supply chain while securing proprietary patents. LG Display’s OLED material localization rate increased from 58% last year to 64% this year.

LG Display plans to sequentially apply the independently developed p-dopants to large and small-to-medium OLED panels in the future. Hyun-woo Lee, Executive Vice President of LG Display, said, “Based on 10 years of OLED mass production technology, we will continue to promote localization of materials, components, and equipment to further strengthen OLED technology leadership and our position in the premium market.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.