Vapor phase synthesized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-trifluoromethanesulfonate as a transparent conductor material
Abstract
Inorganic transparent conductive oxides have dominated the market as transparent electrodes due to their
high conductivity and transparency. Here, we report the fabrication and optimization of the synthesis of
poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) trifluoromethanesulfonate via vapor phase polymerization for the
potential replacement of such inorganic materials. The parameters and conditions of the polymerization
were investigated and an electrical conductivity of 3800 S cm1 and 4500 S cm1 after acid treatment
were obtained while maintaining an absorbance similar to that of commercial indium tin oxide. This
increase in electrical conductivity was rationalized experimentally and theoretically to an increase in the
oxidation level and a higher order of crystallinity which does not disrupt the p–p stacking of PEDOT chains.