Journal Article

Evolving Role of Conjugated Polymers in Nanoelectronics and Photonics

Chougle, Amaan, Afzal, Syed Usama Bin, Mohammed, Abdul Khayum, Rezk, Ayman, Nayfeh, Ammar, Shetty, Dinesh

2025

Overview

Highlights This review offers an overview of recent advancements in conjugated polymers (CPs), with a thorough discussion of their molecular engineering. Key electronic properties are put forth that complement traditional inorganic semiconductor devices. Key concepts and innovations in molecular engineering are discussed, highlighting advancements that improve device performance, with a particular focus on photovoltaics, organic field-effect transistors, and nonvolatile memory devices. The current challenges in fabricating CP-based devices are explored, along with anticipated future developments and growing market demand. Conjugated polymers (CPs) have emerged as an interesting class of materials in modern electronics and photonics, characterized by their unique delocalized π-electron systems that confer high flexibility, tunable electronic properties, and solution processability. These organic polymers present a compelling alternative to traditional inorganic semiconductors, offering the potential for a new generation of optoelectronic devices. This review explores the evolving role of CPs, exploring the molecular design strategies and innovative approaches that enhance their optoelectronic properties. We highlight notable progress toward developing faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly devices by analyzing recent advancements in CP-based devices, including organic photovoltaics, field-effect transistors, and nonvolatile memories. The integration of CPs in flexible sustainable technologies underscores their potential to revolutionize future electronic and photonic systems. As ongoing research pushes the frontiers of molecular engineering and device architecture, CPs are poised to play an essential role in shaping next-generation technologies that prioritize performance, sustainability, and adaptability.

• Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore,Springer Nature B.V,SpringerOpen
• Subject: Conjugated polymers / Energy / Engineering / Field effect transistors / Memory devices / Molecular engineering / Nanoelectronics / Nanoscale Science and Technology / Nanotechnology / Nanotechnology and Microengineering / Optoelectronic devices / Organic electronics / Organic photonics / Photonics / Photovoltaic cells / Pi-electrons / Polymers / Review / Semiconductor devices / Semiconductors / Transistors