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Enhanced thermoelectric performance of PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT/PDDA three-component composite films
Mustapha Adamu1, Muhammad Nadeem1, Muhammad Hasnain1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Intelligent Sensing, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Science, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China feijiao@tju.edu.cn baoyr@tju.edu.cn.
We enhanced flexible thermoelectric performance in conducting polymer/carbon nanocomposites by using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) to reduce interfacial resistance. This molecular design boosts electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient for efficient energy harvesting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Conducting polymer/carbon nanocomposites are promising for flexible thermoelectrics due to low cost and processability.
- High interfacial resistance at carbon junctions limits charge transport and overall performance.
- Effective interface engineering is crucial for advancing thermoelectric materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a strategy for reducing interfacial resistance in conducting polymer/carbon nanocomposites.
- To improve charge transport and thermoelectric performance using a novel interfacial architect.
- To demonstrate the potential of molecular design for high-performance flexible thermoelectrics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) as an interfacial architect to bridge PEDOT:PSS and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).
- Employed layer-by-layer spray coating and mild annealing (100 °C, 10 min) for composite film fabrication.
- Investigated the effects of PDDA on energy filtering, tunnelling barriers, and morphology for charge transport.
Main Results:
- Achieved a high electrical conductivity of 771 ± 45 S cm⁻¹ and a Seebeck coefficient of 78 ± 9 µV K⁻¹ at 55% PDDA.
- Reported a significantly enhanced power factor of 472 ± 40 µW m⁻² K⁻².
- Demonstrated reduced inter-nanotube junction resistance and improved electron transport through morphological templating.
Conclusions:
- Rational interfacial molecular design with PDDA is key to high thermoelectric performance in organic composites.
- The study provides a mechanistic blueprint for interface engineering in thermoelectric materials.
- This approach paves the way for scalable production of efficient, flexible energy harvesting devices.
