Ordering of conjugated polymer molecules: recent advances and perspectives

Molecular order and orientation significantly influence the physical properties of organic materials and their corresponding device properties. Therefore ordering organic molecules especially conjugated polymer molecules in the active layer has been a hot topic in organic electronics for high performance organic electronics and remarkable progress has been demonstrated recently. The purpose of this minireview is to highlight the novel strategies for controlling conjugated polymer molecule orders in the solid state, including rational chemical design, optimizing solution-processing techniques and growth of high quality polymer crystalline micro/nanostructures. Moreover, the charge transport mechanisms in conjugated polymers and the relationship of oriented polymer molecules with their field-effect properties are also discussed. Finally, a concise conclusion and perspective of highly ordered conjugated polymer molecules in organic electronics are also addressed.