Preparation and characterization of electrospun fibers containing poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly(3-hexylthiophene)/CdS

• Preparation and characterization of P3HT and P3HT/CdS fibers obtained by electro spinning were carried out.
• Electrospun P3HT fibers coated with CdS nanoparticles were prepared.
• To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate electrospun P3HT/CdS fibers.
• Conjugation length of P3HT molecules into P3HT–PEO fibers was benefited with washing time of the fibers.
• A lower concentration of the precursor solutions for depositing CdS on P3HT–PEO fibers was more suitable for obtaining a more homogeneous coating.

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and P3HT/cadmium sulfide (CdS) fibers were prepared in order to determine their morphological and structural properties and thermal stability. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate electrospun P3HT/CdS fibers. P3HT fibers were manufactured by electrospinning technique by varying process parameters. Because of P3HT electrospinning was not possible, polyethylene oxide (PEO) was mixed with P3HT to increase the viscosity of the solution. It was possible to form non-beaded fibers containing a maximum of 80 wt% P3HT. The fibers were washed with acetonitrile to remove the built-insulator (PEO) and thus improve its electrical properties. P3HT–PEO fibers (before and after washing) were characterized by FTIR technique and confocal microscope to determine the decrease of the insulating material into the fiber and by SEM to determine the size and surface morphology of the fibers. The P3HT–PEO fibers before washing showed morphology with heterogeneous surface features, however after washing the fibers showed morphology similar to ribbons with higher porosity caused by PEO removal. Conjugation length of P3HT molecules into P3HT fibers was benefited with washing time of the fibers. P3HT/CdS fibers were prepared by precipitation of CdS on P3HT washed fibers. P3HT/CdS fibers were characterized by FTIR and TGA for determine the presence of CdS in the fibers. The precursors concentration for the precipitation of CdS on the P3HT fibers; influenced in the morphology of CdS deposit.