PEDOT/PSS nanoparticles: synthesis and properties

Abstract

Conductive polymer consisting of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/cross-linked poly(p-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/CL-PSS) particles was synthesized, and its dispersion and film properties were evaluated. CL-PSS was synthesized by sulfonation of poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) prepared by emulsion polymerization, and PEDOT/CL-PSS was synthesized by oxidative polymerization of EDOT in the presence of CL-PSS particles. The dispersion of PEDOT/CL-PSS exhibited lower viscosity than that of the usual PEDOT/PSS, enabling the highly concentrated dispersion of the conductive polymer in water. The electrostabilities of the PEDOT/CL-PSS film against heat and humidity were significantly improved by the cross-linkage, although the conductivity decreased with the increase of crosslink density. PEDOT/CL-PSS was miscible with PEDOT/PSS and could be used as a surface roughness-controlling agent for PEDOT/PSS film.