Molecular-scale imaging for the direct characterisation of conjugated polymers

Conjugated polymers (CPs) hold promise for modern organic electronics due to their adaptability and cost-effectiveness. However, their molecular-scale characterization is still challenging. In this talk, I will show how the high-resolution imaging capabilities of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) can be used to analyse CPs and surpass conventional analytical limits. With a series of examples, I will demonstrate that this method allows molecule-by-molecule characterisation, revealing self-assembly, length distribution, sequence, and chemical structure of the polymers. These can be used to investigate microscale behaviour, comparing polymerization techniques, understanding side-chain effects, and fully characterise CPs where traditional methods fall short, due to aggregation or mass limitations.