Robust PEDOT Films by Covalent Bonding to Substrates Using in Tandem Sol-gel, Surface Initiated Free-radical and Redox Polymerization

Abstract

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, films are used as antistatic coatings on electrically insulating substrates such as plastic and glass. A novel method for the synthesis of conducting PEDOT films on insulators relies on sol-gel chemistry to attach a di-Si(OEt) 3 functionalized free radical initiator (AIBN) on oxidized surfaces, followed by: (a) attachment of 3,4-(vinylenedioxy)thiophene (VDOT: an analogue to EDOT susceptible to radical addition through its vinylenedioxy group); and, (b) oxidative (with FeCl 3) co-polymerization of surface-confined VDOT with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT). In conjunction with classical photolithography, the method yields thin (∼150 nm) yet dense, pinhole-free (confirmed electrochemically), hard (>6H), extremely adhesive (5B), patterned, highly conducting (52 mho cm -1) films. The process is applied mainly on glass but it works equally well on oxidized metal surfaces (aluminum, steel, Pt). Control studies related to “grafting from” with surface-confined AIBN were conducted by growing inexpensive poly(styrene) and poly(methylmethacrylate) films.

Department(s)

Chemistry

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0959-9428

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2012 Royal Society of Chemistry, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2012

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