Poly(3-alkylthiophene) nanofibers for optoelectronic devices

Semiconducting poly(3-alkylthiophene) nanofibers show remarkable optical and electrical properties, and because of their high aspect ratios they are perfectly suited to serve as organic quasi one-dimensional charge carriers. Hence, they offer interesting perspectives for next generation printable optoelectronic applications. This feature article provides an overview of the current state of the art regarding the preparation and characterization of poly(3-alkylthiophene) nanofibers, and a discussion on nanofiber-based optoelectronic applications, i.e. organic field-effect transistors and bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. In addition, current shortcomings and points of attention for future development are identified.