Organic electronics: The ions have it

Organic electronics research has focused primarily on flexible, inexpensive versions of traditional semiconductor technologies. Although mixed ionic/electronic conduction in conjugated organic materials introduces exciting functionality, the understanding of the fundamental processes that take place is still in its infancy. In this Research News article, the advantages, applications, and basic research needs that relate to the incorporation of ionic carriers in organic electronic materials and devices are discussed and placed in the broader context of the field.