A novel pyrene derivative 1,6-bis(9,9-dimethylfluorenyl)pyrene (DFP) was synthesized and characterized by H-1 NMR spectrum, high resolution mass spectrum and elemental analysis. DEP exhibits bright blue emission both in solution and in solid thin film. Theoretical calculations show that the material has a non-coplanar structure and a high HOMO energy level. The undoped device based on DEP shows a stable deep-blue emission at 456 nm under different voltage (up to 10 V). The 1931 CIE coordinates (x = 0.15, y = 0.12) of the device are very close to the National Television Standards Committee's (NTSC) blue standard. The device achieves a maximum external quantum efficiency of 4.3% (current efficiency of 3.06 cd A(-1)) at 19.8 mA cm(-2) with a luminance of 607 cd m(-2). (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.