Polyaniline and polypyrrole: Where are we headed?

The tremendous advances made during the past decade in the chemistry, electrochemistry, physics, theory and processing of polyaniline and polypyrrole and their derivatives provide a broad solid foundation for future studies and technological applications. Selected examples of recent progress will be illustrated by: (i) the synthesis of polyaniline oligomers and chiral polyaniline films, (ii) use of polyaniline in light-emitting devices, (iii) effect of substrate surface on properties of polyaniline and polypyrrole films deposited upon them, (iv) use of polypyrrole films in flexible, liquid crystal light valves, (v) preparation of patterned polyaniline and polypyrrole films by microcontact printing and (vi) application of soluble polypyrrole in sensors for volatile organic compounds.