Side Chain Engineering in Solution-Processable Conjugated Polymers

TLDR

Side chains in conjugated polymers are mainly used as solubilizing groups, yet they play far broader roles, and many flexible substituents suitable for constructing them have been reported. The authors advocate that side chain engineering can tune polymer physical properties—such as absorption, emission, energy levels, packing, and charge transport—and advance better designs for next‑generation conjugated polymers. Side chain engineering is proposed as a method to adjust polymer absorption, emission, energy levels, packing, and charge transport.

Abstract

Side chains in conjugated polymers have been primarily utilized as solubilizing groups. However, these side chains have roles that are far beyond. We advocate using side chain engineering to tune a polymer's physical properties, including absorption, emission, energy level, molecular packing, and charge transport. To date, numerous flexible substituents suitable for constructing side chains have been reported. In this Perspective article, we advocate that the side chain engineering approach can advance better designs for next-generation conjugated polymers.