Synthesis of PEDOT latexes by dispersion polymerization in aqueous media

The synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nano- and micro-objects with a narrow size distribution was achieved in a dispersant aqueous medium. Various oxidants such as ammonium persulfate, iron(III) p-toluenesulfonate and iron (III) trichloride were tested. A series of end-functionalized poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were compared as reactive stabilizers. The molar mass and the functionality of these reactive stabilizers were found to be important parameters with respect to the control of particle morphology, particle size and size distribution. PEDOT samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), UV–vis and FTIR spectroscopy and conductivity measurements.