Conjugated Polymers: Where We Come From, Where We Stand, and Where We Might Go

Abstract

AbstractConjugated polymers (CPs) are electronic materials which always attract the joint attention of synthetic chemistry, physics, and engineering. The present article deals with “classical” CPs such as polyacetylenes and polyarylenes, and also with more sophisticated cases such as ladder polymers and graphene nanoribbons. CPs exhibit a wide variety of fascinating electrical and optical properties which qualify them as active components of devices. Their performance, however, is shown to sensitively depend upon structural perfection and purity as well as on the thin‐film morphology, which is also influenced by processing procedures. Nowadays, the need for innovative energy technologies and sustainable materials and processes as well as the emerging new opportunities of quantum technologies, are adding further momentum to CP research.