A novel template-free route to synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with fiber and sphere-like morphologies

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanostructures with fiber and sphere-like morphologies were successfully synthesized by a template-free method using FeCl3 or ammonium persulfate (APS) as oxidant and HCl as the dopant. The synthesized PEDOT fibers showed higher crystallinity and higher conductivity than that of the PEDOT with sphere-like morphology. The oxidant redox potential of oxidizing agents used in this study has played a key role in tailoring the nanostructures of PEDOT during the polymerization. The results demonstrate that the conductivity and electro-activity of PEDOT strongly depend on the morphology, which is determined by preparation conditions. The chemistry, morphology and crystal structure of PEDOT nanostructures were studied using SEM, UV–vis, FT-IR, XRD, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and conductivity measurements.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The conductivity and electro-activity of PEDOT strongly depends on the morphology. ► The oxidizing agents show a significant influence on the morphology of the products. ► PEDOT with more ordered morphology would give higher conductivity.