Affiliation:
1. Key Laboratory of Bio‐Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemistry Beihang University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
2. Nerve‐Machine Integration and Cognitive Competition Center Beijing Machine and Equipment Institute Beijing 100854 P. R. China
3. International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science Beihang University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
Abstract
AbstractRapid developments in organic electronics demand highly conductive and freestanding (PEDOT:PSS) films. However, the synthesis of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS films requires toxic reagents, such as high‐concentration acids and bases. Herein, an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective strategy is reported for improving the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films through the confinement of ice crystals. The crystallization of water swelled by the film facilitated the phase separation of PEDOT and PSS, and the excess PSS in the skin layer is effectively removed. Moreover, under the confinement effect, the carrier mobility of the film is enhanced through the formation of a well‐crystallized PEDOT molecular morphology. A detailed elucidation of aggregate structure evolution in PEDOT:PSS films during annealing, solvent post‐treatment, and subsequent confined crystallization is presented herein. After multiple water crystallization cycles, the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film increased by over 85%, achieving a maximum of 2564 ± 142 S cm−1. Finally, compared to post‐treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the current strategy can improve the Seebeck coefficient by 5.6% and the power factor by 139%.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Key Technologies Research and Development Program
Subject
General Materials Science,General Chemistry