Sustainable Design and Environmental Effects of π-Conjugated Thiophene Surfactants for Optoelectronic Applications

Electronic waste is becoming a growing global pollution issue due to short device lifespans and insufficient safe disposal methods. Hazardous metals like arsenic and mercury from electronic waste harm both the environment and human health. Recycling processes remain underdeveloped, requiring new eco-friendly solutions. This paper reports on the synthesis and properties of the cationic surfactants ammonium terthiophene (CTT) and 3,4-propylene-dioxythiophene (C-ProDOT), which may have potential use in organic electronics. Ecotoxicological tests showed no significant long-term toxicity and medium-to-high biodegradability, which are keys for environmental protection. These surfactants also displayed selective bacterial adhesion, making them candidates for bionic devices. Life cycle assessment revealed higher energy use and ecotoxicity for C-ProDOT than CTT, underscoring the need for sustainable chemical design.