Conductive polymers: applications in photovoltaic cells and electronic devices

Conductive polymers are macromolecules that have a conjugated system of π bonds. This feature allows the delocalization of electrons through the molecule and generates the possibility of electrical conduction. Among the first reported conductive polymers we find polyacetylene (PA), poly(p-phenylene) (PPP), poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV), polythiophene (PT), polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (PPy). The discovery of the conductive properties of these polymers led to the quest of applications in electronics and in energy generation. In these areas, systems that meet the current technological needs and have a potential use in satisfying future technological requirements have been developed. The objective of this review article is to give an overview of conductive polymers, reviewing some historical data and demonstrating their importance in technological advancement through their application in photovoltaic cells and electronic devices. (author)