Conjugated rod–coil block copolymers and optoelectronic applications

This review gives a simple introduction to the electronic, optical and structural behaviour of rod–coil block copolymers in which the rod block is conjugated. The current understanding of the optical properties of conjugated polymers is discussed, as is the self‐assembly characteristics of rod–coil block copolymers, along with their behaviour with respect to organic light‐emitting diode and photovoltaic devices. Poly( p ‐phenylene), poly( p ‐phenylenevinylene) and polythiophenes are then used to give concrete examples and a short history of the developments of this astounding field.