Crystal structures of oligothiophenes and their relevance to charge transport

Abstract

The crystal structures and morphologies of oligothiophenes , in the form of both single crystals and thin films, are reviewed and compared with those of other oligomers and conducting polymers. The “herringbone” structure emerges as a pivotal motif, in particular for charge transport. Although further research is necessary to elucidate the charge transport mechanism, this does not prevent the structural and electronic features of conducting oligomers being exploited in electronic devices such as FETs and LEDs.