Abstract
In crystalline small molecule organic semiconductors, the interplay between the charge transport mechanism and the crystal and molecular structure is nowadays comparably well understood due to the clearly defined morphology. Charge transport in polymeric semiconductors on the other hand is rather complex, for example, due to the substantial amount of conformational freedom of the polymer chains. In macroscopic devices, charge transport is characterized by alternating ordered and disordered phases with varying interconnections and structural defects, which implies that the influence of molecular weight and side-chains, polymer fiber alignment, and backbone rigidity has to be considered, since different transport mechanisms at various length scales from single chains to the macroscale can overlap. To fully understand transport in these systems, ideally, each length scale would be addressed individually before different processes can be joined in a macroscopic picture. In this Perspective, we focus on charge transport properties of polymeric semiconductors at the shortest possible length scales and discuss approaches that aim to make the short length scales still accessible for charge transport experiments.
Highlights
For the further advancement of basic science and use of organic semiconductors in organic field effect transistors (OFETs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and organic solar cells, fundamental understanding of charge transport mechanisms is imperative
In polymeric organic semiconductors (OSCs), the solid-state microstructure is characterized by weak van-derWaals forces between single polymer chains, which result in a large variety of intermolecular packing due to the conformational freedom
The theoretical description is more complicated and it seems more difficult to investigate the OSC morphology to potentially improve charge transport properties by proper alignment, VOFETs could be a very meaningful tool for charge transport investigation at the nanoscale due to the facilitated nanogap fabrication possibilities. In this Perspective, we focused on charge transport properties of polymeric organic semiconductors at the nanoscale
Summary
For the further advancement of basic science and use of organic semiconductors in organic field effect transistors (OFETs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and organic solar cells, fundamental understanding of charge transport mechanisms is imperative.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
