Synthesis and characterization of PEDOT aqueous dispersions with sulfonated polyfluorene as a template and doping agent

In this study, a sulfonated polyfluorene, poly-[9,9-bis(3-propylamide-2-methylpropyl sulfonic acid) fluorene]-co-(4,4′-diphenyl) (PFDBSO3H), was synthesized and characterized. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) water dispersions with PFDBSO3H as a template were synthesized and investigated. Results showed that conductivity increment of PEDOT film was observed when the semiconductor, PFDBSO3H, was used as the template and doping agent, and square resistance of the PEDOT film decreased as the amount of PFDBSO3H increased in the template. This increase of conductivity of the PEDOT film was mainly attributed to the semiconductive nature of PFDBSO3H template and better phase separation between PFDBSO3H and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS). The PEDOT film with PFDBSO3H template showed good transparency in the 400-800-nm wavelength region and good electrochemical stability. However, a slight decrease in thermal stability was observed.