Insights into the structural complexity of semi-crystalline polymer semiconductors: electron diffraction contributions

Abstract

Polymer semiconductors are ubiquitous in plastic electronics. Their morphology and structure control electronic and optical properties, hence, the performances of electronic devices such as organic field effect transistors, organic light emitting diodes, organic photovoltaic cells and thermoelectric generators. The molecular complexity of emerging families of polymers such as low bandgap polymers translates into a corresponding structural diversity that needs to be investigated to establish structure–property correlations and ultimately to design more effective materials and devices. Analysis of this structural manifold is challenging and needs appropriate methods of growth and crystallization as well as appropriate structural investigation tools. This contribution is a short review of the recent progress made using electron diffraction to uncover the structural signatures of several representative polymer semiconductors that are widely used in plastic electronics, especially in organic photovoltaic devices.