Improving the thermoelectric power factor of PEDOT:PSS films by a simple two-step post-treatment method

Abstract

This study demonstrates a simple two-step post-treatment method for improving the thermoelectric power factor of low-cost poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films. The dry re-dispersible PEDOT:PSS pellets are cost-effective, however, they exhibit extremely low thermoelectric performance. On treating with ethylene glycol followed by hydrazine, the power factor of the PEDOT:PSS films increased from 0.0632±0.0097 μW m-1K-2 to 13.3±1.5 μW m-1K-2. The enhancement might be attributed to the effective removal of the free, non-complexed PSS chains and fine control of the oxidation level of PEDOT by the two-step post-treatment.