Conjugated block copolymers and co-oligomers: from supramolecular assembly to molecular electronics

This article reviews the progress in conjugated block copolymers and co-oligomers. The discussion focuses on recent advances in the synthesis and supramolecular assemblies of conjugated diblock copolymers. New knowledge in supramolecular chemistry learned from studies of rod–coil conjugated diblock copolymers is discussed. This article also points out the limited success in obtaining unique electronic properties brought about by the conjugated nanostructures and discusses progress in another important class of block copolymers, rod–rod diblock copolymers. Progress in synthesis and characterization of the rod–rod block co-oligomers is summarized. Unique rectification effects in conjugated diblock co-oligomers are illustrated with several molecular systems.