Robust Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conduction in Hydrophobic Semiconducting Polymers via Composites Formation

In this talk, I will present our latest efforts in developing composite films with mixed ionic-electronic conduction for use in high-performing organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Our research introduces a novel strategy that combines conjugated polymers with an ion-conductive matrix, achieving efficient and stable mixed conduction. Using spectroscopy and pulsed gating measurements, we correlate the composite structure with device performance. I will discuss how our approach enables ion-responsiveness in essentially any semiconducting polymer, thereby unlocking the polymer library for electrochemical applications in biosensing, neural interfaces, and wearable electronics. With this approach, we believe device engineers can access a wider range of active materials, overcoming the one-material-fits-all bottleneck that could potentially hinder further advancements in organic electronics.