Electrophoretic deposition of composite films from solutions of conjugated polymers and their supramolecular complexes with carbon nanotubes

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed for the fabrication of composite poly[3-(3-N,N-diethylaminopropoxy)thiophene] (PDAOT) and poly[9,9-bis(diethylaminopropyl)-2,7-fluorene-co-1,4-phenylene] (PDAFP) films. The kinetics of deposition was studied using quartz crystal microbalance method. The composite films were obtained as monolayers or laminates. Film composition and optical absorption properties can be controlled. Composite films composed of PDAOT, PDAFP, and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were obtained using the supramolecular polymer complexes with SWNTs. The films were studied by UV–vis absorption, electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy methods. The composite films and the EPD method for their fabrication are promising for the development of photovoltaic devices.

► Composite films of conjugated polymers were obtained by electrophoretic deposition.
► Composite films were obtained using stable polymer-carbon nanotube complexes.
► Optical absorption properties and composition of the films can be varied.
► The deposition yield and film thickness can be controlled.
► The method can be used for the fabrication of photovoltaic devices.