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We discuss some recent findings relating to the structure of interfaces in semiconducting polymer devices. The structure of three different types of interface is characterized via neutron reflectivity and scanning force microscopy. In the first example we find that enrichment of dopant occurs at the surface of a doped polymeric conductor, and that this enriched layer penetrates several nanometres into the material. Secondly, we find that the interface between a semiconducting polymer and an insulating polymer is not molecularly sharp, but is rather broad with a width typically of the order of 1 nm. Finally we present some initial neutron reflectivity measurements on the interface between two different semiconducting polymers (one of which is deuterated). Again we find that this interface is diffuse, with a typical width of the order of a few nanometres.

α,α′-Didecylquater-, -quinque- and -sexi-thiophenes were synthesized by Kumada cross-coupling and oxidative coupling reactions. For the former reaction Pd(dppf)Cl2 was found to be a more efficient catalyst than the usually applied Ni(dppp)Cl2. Thermal behaviour of all new oligothiophenes was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. It was shown that all these compounds possess not only crystal phases but also high temperature ordered smectic mesophases and that the clearing point increases linearly with the number of conjugated thiophene rings. A degree of order in the crystal phase was estimated on the basis of thermodynamic data. The highest degree of order was proposed for α,α′-didecylquaterthiophene, which explains why the mobility of end-α,α′-capped quaterthiophenes in FET (field effect transistor) devices is comparable or sometimes better than those of corresponding quinque- and sexi-thiophene derivatives.

This article summarises the industrial applications of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDT, PEDOT). The basic chemical and physical properties of PEDT are discussed to outline the fundamentals which lead to PEDT as a highly valuable electric and electronic material. PEDT applications are reviewed depending on the two different ways of preparation: in situ polymerisation of the monomer, usually carried out by the user, and applying the prefabricated polymer in the form of its water-based complex with poly(styrene sulfonic acid). Several applications like antistatic coatings, cathodes in capacitors, through-hole plating, OLED's, OFET's, photovoltaics, and electrochromic applications are discussed in detail.