With displays emerging as a cornerstone of everyday life, just how vast will the global display market become? According to a global market research company, projections predict that its value will exceed $187.8 billion by 2028, with annual growth rates steadily bringing it forward. Remarkably, South Korea has become one of the driving forces behind this year-after-year growth. In particular, LG Display recognized the potential of OLED technology to succeed LCD early on and was able to become its one and only pioneer through its decade-long expertise in the industry.
LG Display working with fellow Korean company LG Chem to self-develop revolutionary p-Dopant which was previously dependent on overseas suppliers. Let’s unveil the inspiring narrative behind this remarkable achievement, underscoring South Korea’s ongoing journey as a global display leader.
What is ‘p-Dopant’?
‘Dopant’ refers to an organic compound that can be added in small quantities to the hole injection layer of OLED. This material plays a crucial role in tandem devices’ charge generation layers because it not only increases the efficiency and lifespan of the device but also reduces power consumption by improving the operating voltage. Among these compounds, ‘p-Dopant’ is essential in heightening OLED illumination through its minimal energy consumption and ability to extend the device’s lifespan.
Typically used in its powder form, ‘p-Dopant’ is considered a core material in OLED production. However, since it can be degraded by air, it’s gained a reputation as one of the most challenging materials to deal with in the industry. The industry has often referred to p-Dopant as “more precious than gold” due to its high price resulting from the challenging production process required to maintain high quality.
Proprietary p-Dopant brings brighter display future
For these reasons, p-Dopant had been largely dependent on overseas suppliers. However, thanks to collaborative R&D efforts for approximately 10 years, LG Display and LG Chem have done the unthinkable – inventing a high-quality p-Dopant using proprietary technology that rivals the efficiency and performance of its imported counterparts. This is the result of realizing maximum synergy between LG Display, which is responsible for material design and performance verification, and LG Chem, which handles material synthesis and production. LG Display will incorporate this game-changing material into its large-sized and small and mid-sized OLED panels.
LG Display demonstrates outstanding OLED expertise to all
The creation of this self-developed p-Dopant material ticks off another milestone for the world’s leading display innovator. On top of enhancing the global competitiveness of its OLEDs, this move underscores its steadfast dedication to technological advancement which spans over a decade and includes some of the biggest statements in display history, from its 55-inch OLED display starting it all off in 2013 to its third-generation META Technology that was unveiled at this year’s CES.
This accomplishment not only bolsters LG Display’s supply chain but also solidifies its ownership of the pivotal patents that will act as new driving forces to strengthen its OLED leadership. Moreover, the self-development of p-Dopant carries profound implications for the entire OLED industry, helping establish a robust domestic ecosystem for materials, components, and equipment while reinforcing the sector’s independence and sustainability.
LG Display is committed to seamlessly integrating its very own p-Dopant into its wide OLED lineup, and through its relentless pursuit of excellence, will continue to advance its materials, components, and equipment to take its technological competitiveness to a whole new level!
