CONDUCTING POLYMERS

An organic polymer that possesses electrical, magnetic and optical properties by doping/de-doping process commonly associated with a conventional polymer is termed an intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP), more commonly known as synthetic metal. In this paper, the application of ICPs in different types of sensors, transistors, and display devices is reviewed. Although, there are a lot of applications for ICPs, we are focusing mainly on these more interesting ones. The emphasis is on major, development in the above-mentioned field over the last 5-10 years. The polymer-based transistors would be expected to be superior to conventional inorganic transistors. Moreover, the difficult process of constructing the inorganic transistors can be replaced by a simple technology involving organic ICPs. ICPs are best suited for electrochromic display devices (ECDs). They show different colours depending on the oxidation-reduction state. The function of a sensor is to provide information on the physical, chemical and biological environment. ICPs can be used for constructing different types of sensors such as biosensors, gas sensors, humidity sensors and ion sensors.