Conducting polymers

Abstract

An organic polymer that possesses the electrical, magnetic and optical properties by doping/de-doping process commonly associated with a conventional polymer is termed an Intrinsically Conducting Polymer (ICP), more commonly known as synthetic metals. In this paper, the application of ICPs in different types of sensors, transistors, and display devices are reviewed. Although there are a lot of applications for ICPs, we are focusing mainly on these more interesting ones. The emphasis is on major developments in abovementioned field over the last 5-10 years. The polymer-based transistors would be expected to be superior to conventional inorganic transistors. Moreover, the difficult process of constructing the inorganic transistors can be replaced by a simple technology involving organic ICPs. ICPs are best suited for electrochromic display devices (ECDs). They show different colors depending on the oxidation-reduction state. The function of a sensor is to provide information on our physical, chemical and biological environment. ICPs can be used for constructing different types of sensors such as biosensors, gas sensors, humidity sensors and ion sensors.