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Conjugated Polymers Take Center Stage in the Future of Electronics and Photonics

June 18, 2025

A new review from Khalifa University researchers PվƵ how organic polymers can be used in flexible nanoelectronic and photonic devices

Discover how organic polymers are shaping tomorrow’s tech, listen now!

 

Conjugated polymers are flexible, sustainable, and high-performance alternatives to silicon-based semiconductors. A new review by researchers from Khalifa University outlines how molecular engineering is turning these organic materials into powerful building blocks for applications ranging from solar energy to wearable electronics.

Dr. Ammar Nayfeh, Amaan Chougle, Dr. Ayman Rezk, and Syed Usama Bin Afzal, all from Khalifa University Department of Electrical Engineering, collaborated with Dr. Abdul Khayum Mohammed and Dr. Dinesh Shetty from Khalifa University’s Department of Chemistry to examine the expanding role of conjugated polymers in developing next-generation electronic and photonic devices. They published their review in .

“Conjugated polymers bring a level of adaptability and sustainability that traditional semiconductors can’t easily match,” Dr. Nayfeh said. “These materials are perfect for flexible devices transistors and memory needed for wearables. Also they can be used for flexible solar cells. Their optical and electrical properties are well suited for this role. One challenge is the fabrication of devices that our group is currently working on in this project.”

Dr Shetty added: “At the heart of these materials is their ϖ-conjugated system which allows electrons to move more freely along polymer chains. This mobility, combined with the ability to tweak their chemical structure, gives scientists a toolkit to design polymers with custom electronic, optical and mechanical properties.”

The team’s review categorizes conjugated polymers by their molecular architecture — one-dimensional linear chains and two-dimensional sheets — and explains how structure influences performance. 2D polymers provide superior charge mobility while 1D polymers are ideal for flexible applications.


Dr. Nilesh

“Conjugated polymers offer a powerful combination of customizability, performance, and sustainability that positions them at the forefront of next-generation electronic and photonic technologies.”

Dr. Ammar Nayfeh/span>, Khalifa University.

Molecular design innovations are driving performance improvements. Research has developed polymers that achieve power conversion efficiencies over 20 percent in all-polymer solar cells while also optimizing their performance for long-term stability, which is key to commercial viability.

Beyond photovoltaics, conjugated polymers are making strides in organic transistors, nonvolatile memory applications and bioelectronics. While challenges remain, such as environmental degradation and integration with existing manufacturing, the trajectory is clear: conjugated polymers are becoming indispensable to the future of nanoelectronics and photonics.

This review exercise is part of team’s exploration of finding the suitable polymer system with relevant electronic and photonic properties.


Jade Sterling
Science Writer