Polymer semiconductor development structure

The final section of this paper considers several emerging opportunities for the further development of polymer semiconductors. In particular, the focus here is on processing/physical structure aspects that impinge on electronic properties. 

Thin film organic polymer semiconductors are an attractive option for the development of cost-effective photovoltaic devices. They are uniquely suited to low-cost mass production and provide potential flexibility via property engineering. However, materials with better physical and photovoltaic properties than those currently available are needed. This will require a far better understanding of the structure and transport properties of these materials. 

Since the publication of the original observation in 1977 there has been an explosive growth of research into the whole range of conjugated polymer structures which has led to the development of a new family of polymers which, with appropriate chemical modification, can display conductivities from poor semiconductor to comparable with copper. These polymers have obviously been the result of major contributions from synthetic chemists and have been of great interest to solid-state physicists. Somewhat surprisingly there has been less interest on the part of polymer scientists. This has led to problems in many areas, partly because of failure to recognise the... 

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