Mesoscopic inhomogeneity of conducting and semiconducting polymers

Abstract

The experimental evidence of the inhomogeneity of conducting and semiconducting organic π-conjugated polymers is reviewed. A special attention is paid to the mesoscopic inhomogeneity, which originates from variability in the interactions between the molecules that constitute these materials. First, the effects of inhomogeneity on selected macroscopic parameters of the organic materials such as conductivity, charge mobility and electrochemical responses are analysed. Next, the microscopic evidence of inhomogeneity obtained with the help of various microscopic and scanning probe techniques is reviewed. In conclusion, possible mechanisms of the emergence of the energetic and structural inhomogeneity and the domain structure of conducting and semiconducting polymers and related materials are discussed.