A new composite structure of PEDOT/PSS: Macro-separated layers by a polyelectrolyte brush

Abstract

Polyethylene dioxythiophene and polyethylene sulfonic acid (PEDOT/PSS) composite is gathering attention as an organic transparent conductive film material. However, it requires a core-shell structure in which conductive PEDOT is covered with insulating PSS. Providing film formability and a carrier to PEDOT, the PSS shell hinders carrier conduction as an insulating barrier. In this study, we realized that creating a macro-separated PEDOT/PSS composite by using a polyelectrolyte brush substrate and in-situ PEDOT polymerization without the PSS barrier increases durability and conductivity in comparison with commercially available PEDOT/PSS film, achieving a conductivity of 5000-6000 S/cm.