The state of the art in the use of conjugated polymers in electronic devices is summarised and the prospects for their further development discussed.

The methods for synthesising polyacetylene are discussed and compared. As unsubstituted polymer is insoluble, precursor methods must be used to make films suitable for use in devices. While the fact that doped polyacetylene is conducting is of scientific interest, its instability and lack of luminescece has made it useless for practical applications. Substituted polyacetylenes can be made which are both soluble and luminescent, making them potentially useful in LEDs.The synthesis and properties of such polymers are discussed as well as their structure–property relationships and potential for use in devices.

Conjugated polymers are semiconductors, which if doped can become conducting. Their electronic properties make them suitable for use in organic electronic devices such as transistors (OTFTs), light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells (OPVs). The operating principles of these devices are discussed. Each of these devices have different requirements for their active materials. Among the important parameters which must be considered to optimise device performance are the energy difference between the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) (known as the bandgap) which controls which colours of light can be absorbed or emitted, the energy levels of the HOMO and LUMO, which control the rate at which charges can be injected and extracted and the mobility of the charge carriers within the material. These parameters must be considered in designing or selecting suitable materials for use in these devices.