Polymer Semiconductors: Synthesis, Processing, and Applications

Polymersemiconductors composed of a carbon-based pi conjugatedbackbone have been studied for several decades as active layers ofmultifarious organic electronic devices. They combine the advantagesof the electrical conductivity of metals and semiconductors and themechanical behavior of plastics, which are going to become one ofthe futures of modulable electronic materials. The performance ofconjugated materials depends both on their chemical structures andthe multilevel microstructures in solid states. Despite the greatefforts that have been made, they are still far from producing a clearpicture among intrinsic molecular structures, microstructures, anddevice performances. This review summarizes the development of polymersemiconductors in recent decades from the aspects of material designand the related synthetic strategies, multilevel microstructures,processing technologies, and functional applications. The multilevelmicrostructures of polymer semiconductors are especially emphasized,which plays a decisive role in determining the device performance.The discussion shows the panorama of polymer semiconductors researchand sets up a bridge across chemical structures, microstructures,and finally devices performances. Finally, this review discusses thegrand challenges and future opportunities for the research and developmentof polymer semiconductors.

Automated summary

Polymer semiconductors, composed of carbon-based pi conjugated backbone, have been studied for decades as active layers of various organic electronic devices. They combine the advantages of metal and semiconductor electrical conductivity with the mechanical behavior of plastics, making them a promising modulable electronic material. However, despite significant efforts, there is still no clear understanding of the relationship between intrinsic molecular structures, microstructures, and device performances. This review summarizes the development of polymer semiconductors, emphasizing the role of multilevel microstructures in determining device performance, and discusses the challenges and future opportunities in this field.