Zicheng Ding, Dongle Liu, Kui Zhao,* and Yanchun Han*

ABSTRACT: 

Conjugated polymers are a promising candidate for large-area stretchable electronics because of their tunable electrical and mechanical properties, light weight, and low-cost solution

processing. Significant research progress has been achieved in stretchable polymer electronics by synthesizing novel conjugated polymer materials and designing new device geometries. However, the inherent competition between high charge mobility and good mechanical compliance has long existed for conjugated polymer films. In this Perspective, we will provide an understanding of how to balance the electrical properties and mechanical properties from the point of view of multiple length scale microstructures of conjugated polymers. After a brief introduction of microstructure features, charge transport, and mechanical properties in thin films, we focus on how to design the percolation morphology with the aggregates, tie chains, and amorphous phase via controlling solution preaggregation and film-formation dynamics. Furthermore, the rational transfer of film morphology from small-area coating to large-area printing is discussed in terms of film uniformity and crystallization control. Finally, we summarize the challenges and opportunities in microstructure control of stretchable conjugated polymer films.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00268