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Structural control of mixed ionic and electronic transport in conducting polymers
Jonathan Rivnay1, Sahika Inal1, Brian A Collins2,3
1Department of Bioelectronics, Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines, CMP-EMSE, MOC, Gardanne 13541, France.
Nature Communications
|April 20, 2016
Summary
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Conducting Polymers
Background:
- Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a widely used hole conductor.
- Recent research explores PEDOT:PSS as a mixed ionic/electronic conductor for bioelectronics, energy storage, and soft robotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of morphology on the mixed ionic and electronic conduction in PEDOT:PSS films.
- Understand how processing affects the nano- and meso-scale structure and its influence on charge transport.
Main Methods:
- Quantified domain composition in PEDOT:PSS films.
- Analyzed the effect of dispersion co-solvents on film morphology and ion/electron mobility.
- Correlated structural changes with electronic conductivity and ion mobility.
Main Results:
- Processing-induced morphological changes simultaneously affect bulk ionic and electronic mobilities.
- Addition of co-solvents purifies domains, improving electronic conductivity but limiting ion mobility.
- An optimal morphology was identified for balanced ionic and electronic transport.
Conclusions:
- Morphology plays a critical role in mixed conduction in PEDOT:PSS films.
- Rational design of materials and processing routes can enhance mixed conductor devices.
- Findings provide insights for developing advanced polymeric materials for various applications.
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