Teaching Organic Electronics - Part II: Quick & Easy Synthesis of the (Semi-)Conductive Polymer PEDOT: PSS in a Snap-Cap Vial

Abstract

Organic Electronics is an interdisciplinary and cutting-edge research field leading to innovative applications and products like ultra-thin and high-efficient organic LED displays, light-weight and transparent organic solar cells or printed organic field-effect transistors (to name only few). The core functional materials in such devices are organic (semi-)conductors like conjugated polymers, oligomers or small molecules. As a sequel to our former contribution in the World Journal of Chemical Education (Vol 6, No. 1), we present in this paper a hands-on, quick and easy experiment for the synthesis of the (semi-)conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS. This experiment can be integrated into laboratory trainings and enriches the portfolio for teachers and lab-instructors dealing with organic electronics.