Tailoring of conducting polymers via copolymerization – A review

Abstract The tailoring of conducting polymers via copolymerization has attracted considerable attention due to its outstanding properties and applications. The chemical/electrochemical oxidation or reduction of different monomers yields the corresponding copolymers which can be synthesized in various forms such as powders, thin films, composites, or colloidal dispersion, depending on the reaction type, medium, and conditions. These copolymers are fascinating material and highly demanding for optoelectronic and energy applications as well as in the biomedical field for early detection of some world-threatening diseases. This review describes articles and patents concerning tailoring of conducting polymers via copolymerization to acquire scientific and technological information of these copolymers including their synthesis, unique properties, and wide applications over their respective homopolymers due to their chemical structure, extended conjugation, tuned bandgap, controlled morphology, enhanced solubility, processability, and many more.