Multifunctional high-mobility polymer semiconductors: design, synthesis and applications

Abstract

Conjugated polymers play significant roles in organic electronic devices due to adjustable chemical structures and unique optoelectronic properties. Carrier mobility as the critical parameter in diverse electronic devices has achieved fruitful improvements during the last decade. Apart from it, endowing high-mobility polymer semiconductors with additional characteristics, like mechanical, optical, thermal, biocompatible, etc. properties, is expected to expand usage scenarios and further realize cutting-edge applications. In this review, we first summarize the strategies for designing high-mobility semiconducting polymers. Then, traditional and innovative synthesis methodologies for delivering conjugated polymers are presented. Next, multifunctional high-mobility semiconducting polymers possessing intrinsic stretchability, intense photo-/electroluminescence, efficient thermal-electric conversion, and environmental-friendly degradability are mainly discussed. Finally, current challenges and future prospects are concluded. By gaining in-depth understanding of basic physiochemical characteristics and frontier cross applications of these multifunctional polymer semiconductors, they are possible to pave pathways for future artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing.play an important role in organic electronic devices due to their unique optoelectronic properties and tunable chemical structures.