ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (P3AT) with linear side chains ranging from 4 (butyl-) to 14 (tetradecyl-) carbons as a class of materials that exhibit important correlations between the structure and electronic properties. It draws on comparative studies investigating how the structure of poly(3-alkylthiophene)s varies with side chain length and its impact on charge carrier mobility. The chapter presents a case study using poly(3-hexylthiophene) to document advances in processing methods that can manipulate the microstructure and charge transport properties. It discusses advances in controlled deposition techniques and explains advances in P3AT processing methods to enable stretchable and flexible electronic devices. Understanding of the role of thermal treatment on P3AT crystallization can provide supporting information regarding the packing behavior of these conjugated polymers. The conformational arrangement of individual polymer chains in solution has profound impacts on the self-assembly process to form ordered domains.
