Directed crystallization of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) film by an iron(III) dodecyl sulfate lamellar superstructure.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39284799.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-51621-1 and PMC identifier 11405900.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), a successfully commercialized polymeric semiconductor material, has potential as a transparent electrode in flexible electronic devices, yet has insufficient conductivity. We present the synthesis, properties, and directed crystallization of the PEDOT:dodecyl sulfate (PEDOT:DS) film. Iron(III) dodecyl sulfate (Fe(DS)<sub>3</sub>) multi-lamellar vesicles (MLVs), a new growth template, are used to synthesize and direct the growth of the PEDOT:DS film via vapor-phase polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene to form huge PEDOT:DS co-crystal domains within the MLV superstructure. The polycrystalline film has metallic conductivity (avg. ~1.0 × 10<sup>4</sup> S cm<sup>-1</sup>), is highly transparent and mechanically durable yet flexible, and suitable for next-generation flexible electronics. These noteworthy properties are conferred by the MLV lamellar superstructure of Fe(DS)<sub>3</sub>, a selective oxidant and an efficient in situ dopant that enhances the film hydrophobicity and durability. Sophisticated MLV-type oxidants are foreseen to enable the synthesis of more conductive, transparent, robust, flexible, and water-stable polymer electrode materials in future.