Fabrication of hydrophobic poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(4-styrenesulfonate)/zinc oxide rod conductive film via hydrothermal method and their performance on weather stability and pH buffering ability

•Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film•Incorporation of ZnO rods improves its hydrophobic property.•ZnO rods grow on PEDOT:PSS film from ZnO seeds via hydrothermal method.•Surface morphology of ZnO rods affects the property and performance.•Good performance in weather stability, pH buffering ability, and acid/alkali resistance

The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) conductive film associated with zinc oxide (ZnO) rods was prepared to improve its hydrophobic property and weather stability. In this study, the ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized in the presence of methanol or ethanol to act as the ZnO seeds that deposited on the PEDOT:PSS film. Then, the ZnO seeds grew on the surface of PEDOT:PSS film to form the PEDOT:PSS/ZnO rod film by hydrothermal method in a weak alkali solution. The surface morphology of PEDOT:PSS/ZnO rod film prepared from different seed solvent and alkali concentrations was investigated. Furthermore, the PEDOT:PSS/ZnO rod conductive films not only maintained the property of good conductivity but also improved its performance in application, such as hydrophobic property, weather stability, pH buffering ability, and acid/alkali resistance.