100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Recent Advances and Opportunities for Mixed Ion and Charge Conducting Polymers

Abstract

Macromolecules that exhibit both electron transport and ionic mass transport (i.e., mixed conducting polymers) are ascendant with respect to both emerging application spaces and the elucidation of their fundamental physical principles. The unique coupling between the two modes of conduction puts these materials at the center of many next-generation organic electronic applications. The molecular details of this coupling are also at the epicenter of outstanding questions about how these materials function; how monomer and macromolecular chemistry dictates observable properties; and ultimately, how these macromolecular materials can be rationally designed, processed, and implemented into high-performance devices. Here, we focus on what is currently known about coupled ionic-electronic transport in these polymers and where there are open opportunities in the field. These opportunities include the syntheses of designer macromolecules, the need for significant simulation efforts that provide molecular-level insights into the mixed conduction mechanism, and the need for advanced characterization techniques for real-time monitoring of polymer morphology, as this is critical to coupled ion-charge transport processes. Considering the early stage of this important subfield of polymer science, we also present our view of how the development of mixed conductors can benefit from the lessons learned from previous polymer-based electronic devices.