Effects of flexible side chains on modulating the functional properties of organic semiconductors for optoelectronics

In the past decades, great progress has been made in solution-processed organic semiconductor materials for optoelectronics. Tremendous efforts have been focused on the design of new π-conjugated backbones. In contrast, the effects of flexible chains, which are usually used as solubilizing groups, on the functional properties have been less investigated. In this report, we highlight the effects of flexible chains in organic semiconductors, including the influences of types, length, density, orientation, branching points. This would shed light to further understand the roles of flexible chains on modulating the functional properties of organic semiconductors for optoelectronic devices and thus facilitate the rational design and development of high-performance organic optoelectronic materials.