Exploiting the electrical properties of thin films of semiconducting polymers

Abstract

A brief review is provided of the ways electrical properties of semiconducting polymers can be exploited. Emphasis is given to the analysis of electrical conductivity data, in particular to the importance of interchain processes that must be considered along with intrachain processes for bulk conductivity. Among the large variety of possible applications of thin films of semiconducting polymers, the focus is placed on recent breakthroughs in producing diodes, field effect transistors and electroluminescent devices out of these materials. The fabrication of ultrathin films from semiconducting polymers, using the Langmuir-Blodgett and the self-assembly techniques, is discussed to illustrate the importance of processibility issues for any real application including these polymers.