Solidifying the role of hydrogen bonds in conjugated polymers for wearable electronics

Abstract

Conjugated polymers are often functionalised with hydrogen bonding motifs, to impart self-healing or stretchability for wearable electronic applications. Through refinement of characterisation techniques in recent years, the effect of these supramolecular groups has become increasingly well understood. However, challenges remain to clearly decouple the effects of functionalisation with the complex nature of this polymer class. In this perspective we examine the current methods of characterisation and discuss how focus on the mechanical properties will be beneficial for setting out future design rules. Finally, we investigate the use of these techniques within the reported literature to highlight trends in the critical properties of the materials.