Highly Conductive Films Through PEDOT-PSS Ink Formulation via Doping Using Spontaneous Wicking of Liquids for Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

A novel electrode fabrication method based on liquid doping of PEDOT-PSS onto PET-G film by drop casting is reported. A dispersed liquid-PEDOT-PSS solution is prepared as an ink by a liquid doping synthesis method. The EG/DMSO:PEDOT-PSS solution is then drop cast onto oxygen plasma-modified PET-G films for electrode fabrication. Their surface topography and electrochemical characteristics are characterized. The results show that the prepared electrode material has an electrical conductivity of 11661.7 and 11528.8 S m−1 for EG- and DMSO-treated PEDOT-PSS films, respectively. Ink formulation achieves unprecedented conductivity via spontaneous liquid wicking. The specific capacitance is 134 F g−1 at a scanning rate of 5 mV s−1 and 309.6 F g−1 at a scanning rate of 20 mV s−1 for EG and DMSO-treated PEDOT-PSS films, respectively, on the three-electrode system while specific capacitance for pristine PEDOT-PSS calculated at 80 mV s−1 is 4.6 F g−1. PEDOT-PSS films are engineered for superior supercapacitor performance through liquid wicking. Moreover, the results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy measurements confirm that the removal of PSS on the surface is due to liquid–liquid doping. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis proves the expulsion of PSS molecules from the solution interface. Therefore, the die-cast PET-G-PEDOT-PSS electrode is a promising candidate for advanced supercapacitor applications.