Charge transport physics

Illustration of our research into ion-exchange doping of conducting polymers to control carrier density and improve charge transport.

Using ion-exchange doping, we examine how carrier density, counterion identity and polymer microstructure shape charge transport. This reveals how doping changes structural and dynamic disorder, and how these effects can be controlled to improve conductivity [1].

Illustration of our research into how polymer backbone conformation and molecular disorder govern charge transport.

Working closely with organic chemists, we research how polymer backbone conformation, molecular packing and vibrations govern charge transport. Combining transistor, thermoelectric, optical and structural measurements helps us investigate low-disorder materials with higher mobility [2].

Illustration of our research into out-of-plane charge transport in organic semiconductors using conductive atomic force microscopy.

Using conductive atomic force microscopy, we investigate out-of-plane charge transport through individual molecular layers of organic semiconductors. This allows us to separate bulk and contact resistance and understand transport at the scale of single molecules [3].

Graph illustrating our research into how short contacts between neighbouring polymer chains influence charge transport.

We investigate how charges transfer between neighbouring polymer chains, a key limitation once transport along planar backbones becomes efficient. By relating short interchain contacts to mobility and optical properties, we develop molecular design strategies for faster transport [4].

  1. Jacobs, I. E. et al. High-efficiency ion-exchange doping of conducting polymers. Adv. Mater. 34, 2102988 (2022).
  2. Venkateshvaran, D. et al. Approaching disorder-free transport in high-mobility conjugated polymers. Nature 515, 384–388 (2014).
  3. Gicevičius, M. et al. Probing out-of-plane charge transport in organic semiconductors using conductive atomic force microscopy. Adv. Mater. 37, 2418694 (2025).
  4. Thomas, T. H. et al. Short contacts between chains enhancing luminescence quantum yields and carrier mobilities in conjugated copolymers. Nat. Commun. 10, 2614 (2019).