Coupled Electrical Conduction in Coordination Polymers: From Electrons/Ions to Mixed Charge Carriers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Coordination polymers (CPs) offer intrinsic pathways for both ionic and electronic transport.
• Low practical conductivities have historically limited the application of CPs.
• Recent advancements have focused on enhancing electronic or ionic conductivity in CPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in the design of mixed ionic-electronic conductive coordination polymers (MIEC-CPs).
• To explore the development of MIEC-CPs starting from intrinsically conductive CPs.
• To highlight selected devices that utilize mixed conduction properties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on advancements in MIEC-CPs.
• Analysis of design strategies for enhancing mixed conductivity in CPs.
• Selection and summary of devices based on mixed conduction.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been achieved in developing MIEC-CPs with improved conductivities.
• Design strategies have successfully enhanced both ionic and electronic transport in CPs.
• Various devices leveraging mixed conduction in CPs have been identified and analyzed.

Conclusions:

• MIEC-CPs represent a rapidly advancing field with substantial potential for technological applications.
• Continued research into CP design is crucial for unlocking their full potential in next-generation devices.
• The development of MIEC-CPs paves the way for innovative solutions in sensors, energy storage, and optoelectronics.