Ozonization of electronic conducting polymers, Part III: The action of ozone on poly[3-pentylthiophene] film

Poly[3-penthylthiophene] film was cast from a solution in N-methylpyrrolidone onto a metal substrate. Electrical properties of the metal-semiconductor junction were characterized for pristine and ozone treated polymer. The influence of ozone on the electrical properties of the film was investigated. Ozone causes an increase in the film conductivity, due to the formation of a charge transfer complex. After several months the conductivity of the film dropped significantly below the initial value as a result of oxidative degradation. The morphology changes after ozone treatment were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Analysis of the microscopy images revealed anisotropic swelling of the polymer after it had been treated with ozone.