Composite inks of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate)/silver nanoparticles and electric/optical properties of inkjet-printed thin films

• We prepare Ag–PEDOT:PSS inks using in situ synthesis and ultrasonically dispersion.
• The Ag–PEDOT:PSS inks are inkjet printed to be thin films and characterized.
• Ag:PSS bond formed in in situ synthesis is detrimental to the conductivity of films.
• Dispersing silver nanoparticles into pristine PEDOT:PSS improves film conductivity.
• Factors that can influence the properties of the films are analyzed and discussed.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate)/silver nanoparticles composite inks have been prepared through in situ synthesis and ultrasonic dispersion. The developed inks were proved to be suitable for various inkjet printing trials to deposit the thin films which were subsequently characterized to assess their electric and optical properties. The results have indicated that the dedoping of PSS from PEDOT during the in situ synthesis can be detrimental to the conductivity of the deposited composite films. However, the addition of silver nanoparticles to pristine PEDOT:PSS has significantly enhanced the conductivity of the thin films, with an inevitable loss in transparency. The various factors that can influence the properties of the thin films have also been analyzed and discussed. This study provides an insight into the effect of silver nanoparticles on PEDOT:PSS thin films deposited using inkjet printing process, and their properties due to the methods of ink formulation.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide