The inclusion of electrically insulating aliphatic spacers between π-conjugated segments of semiconducting polymers represents an emerging and versatile tool to control material properties. Here we review this strategy and highlight recent reports demonstrating the control over chain self-assembly, the tunability of viscosity and elasticity, and the ability to provide insights into inter- and intra-charge transport processes—without detrimental effects on the polymer semiconducting ability. While still at an early stage, this approach gives promise towards engineering optoelectronic performance, melt-processed organic electronics, and applications toward stretchable wearable semiconducting devices.
- Aiman Rahmanudin
- Liang Yao
- Kevin Sivula
