Diketopyrrolopyrrole based organic semiconductors: pioneering advances in organic electronic devices

Abstract Recent advancements in the field of organic electronics have attracted great attention, with a focus on implementing various benchmark organic semiconductors in high-performance electronic device applications. Among them, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based semiconductors stand out for their unique molecular structure, and are known for their excellent semiconducting properties and broad optical absorption range. In this paper, we first discuss how the recent advances in the charge carrier mobilities of organic semiconductors have enhanced organic electronic device applications, and also outline the challenges associated with mobility variation, crystallinity, and environmental stability. The paper then examines controlled crystallization methods, and focuses on the intrinsic properties of DPP-based materials, including external alignment and thermal annealing techniques, which significantly improve molecular ordering and device performance. Following this, the application of DPP-based semiconductors in various organic electronic devices is covered, with particular emphasis on their role in optoelectronics, organic solar cells, and sensors. Each of these applications benefits from the unique electronic properties of DPP materials, and has been shown to enable advances in device efficiency and sensitivity. By synthesizing recent research and developments, this review highlights the critical role of DPP-based semiconductors in the advancement of high-performance organic electronics, and offers insights into their future potential and applications.