Linear and star-shaped π-conjugated oligoanilines: a review on molecular design in syntheses and properties

Abstract

Aniline-based oligomers with pervasive applications exhibit a monodisperse molecular weight, with great environmental stability and unique reversible optoelectrochemical properties when subjected to various stimuli, i.e., changes in pH, voltage, and temperature. Through the decades, the oligoaniline molecular structure has been altered from a linear conformation into multi-arm (and branched) structures to enhance its functional performance. Changing the molecular design and architecture can predominantly affect properties. In this paper, we review linear and multi-arm star-shaped oligoanilines emphasizing their syntheses, doping, and feature properties; we probe how molecular design may affect the morphological and electrochemical behavior of these oligoaniline systems and how these systems can be tuned for a wide variety of applications. In this regard, the new features will be introduced and the most relevant characterization approaches will be investigated. Moreover, limitations and future perspectives, concerning the nonlinear molecular design, will be elaborated.