Developments in polytellurophenes and tellurophene-containing polymers: from synthesis to applications

Abstract

Tellurium is a metalloid, and as such its properties are uniquely placed at the interface between organic and inorganic chemistry. Its five-membered heterocycle, tellurophene, has unique redox, optical, and electronic properties. When integrated as a homopolymer or as a copolymer, tellurophene polymers exhibit novel properties which can be tailored to optimise optoelectronic performance. In this review, we first discuss the inherent properties of the polymers, we then discuss various synthetic methods for their preparation. In addition, we discuss applications of tellurophene polymers in optoelectronic and biomedical applications. Finally, we give an insight into the major challenges still to be overcome for these materials and the future areas for development.