Effect
of PEDOT Nanofibril Networks on the Conductivity, Flexibility, and
Coatability of PEDOT:PSS Films
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Abstract
The
use of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)
in electrodes and electrical circuits presents a number of challenges
that are yet to be overcome, foremost amongst which are its relatively
low conductivity, low coatability on hydrophobic substrates, and decreased
conductivity at large strains. With this in mind, this study suggests
a simple way to simultaneously address all of these issues through
the addition of a small amount of a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100)
to commercial PEDOT:PSS solutions. This surfactant is shown to considerably
reduce the surface tension of the PEDOT:PSS solution, thus permitting
conformal coatings of PEDOT:PSS thin film on a diverse range of hydrophobic
substrates. Furthermore, this surfactant induces the formation of
PEDOT nanofibrils during coating, which led to the high conductivity
values and mechanical stability at large strains (ε = 10.3%).
Taking advantage of the superior characteristics of these PEDOT:PSS
thin films, a highly flexible polymer solar cell was fabricated. The
power conversion efficiency of this solar cell (3.14% at zero strain)
was preserved at large strains (ε =7.0%)