Conjugated polymers sequenced by eye under the microscope
Atomic resolution of molecules – warts and all – can help in the development and design of electronics materials
Conjugated polymers have been put under the microscope and imaged in the greatest detail ever. For the first time it has been possible to accurately pick-out structural characteristics of the monomer units that give the material its properties. The technique could help to optimise polymer materials for use in flexible lightweight electronics, including organic solar cells, LEDs and sensors.
Conjugated polymers are named for their backbone of alternating single and double bonds. This structure is what makes them conductors by allowing an electronic charge to move along their chain of monomers. The resulting optical and electronic properties has led to growing interest for using them in plastic-based opto-electronic applications.