Charge carrier trapping in organic semiconductors: Origins, impact and strategies for mitigation

• Main Authors: Nasir, Farah Hannan Abd, Woon, Kai Lin
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QC Physics
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/45098/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.synthmet.2024.117661

Charge carrier traps are discrete states within organic semiconductors with the propensity to capture and hold onto electrons or holes, thereby hindering their contribution to electrical conductivity and frequently diminishing device performance. Despite extensive research into charge-trapping mechanisms, the precise origins of these trap states remain elusive. This review endeavours to bridge this knowledge gap by compiling a range of factors identified as instrumental in the genesis of traps. The review commences with an introductory overview of organic semiconductors and a definition of charge carrier traps. Subsequently, we delve into an examination of the myriad origins of trap states and their impact on the function of organic electronic devices culminating with a discussion of various approaches devised to mitigate the effects of charge carrier trapping. This includes an exploration of the potential for harnessing charge carrier traps within the realms of artificial intelligence and neuromorphic computing.