Analysis of the electrical and optical properties of PEDOT:PSS/PVA blends for low-cost and high-performance organic electronic and optoelectronic devices

Abstract

In this study we propose the use of a blend, comprising poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene ):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to be used as flexible, semitransparent and highly conductive material for electronic and optoelectronic devices. The electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of spray-deposited films of the blend, in different thicknesses and at different weight ratios, were studied in order to determine the most appropriate composition for optimal device performance and cost. We propose a direct method to determine the most appropriate blend composition to produce polymeric films with a desired sheet resistance, optical transmittance and cost, by using a diagram which considers the influence of blend composition and film thickness in a light-transmittance versus sheet resistance plot, mediated by the material cost per unit area. In this way, the present study establishes an empirical method to determine the PEDOT:PSS/PVA blend composition to be used as electrode material in optoelectronic devices which satisfies the desired conditions of optical transmittance, sheet resistance and cost-effectiveness.

Cross-linked PEDOT: PSS as an alternative for low-cost solution-processed electronic devices

“…Usually, ultra-thin films are obtained by deposition techniques like spin-coating, which are not compatible with large scale production methodologies. An alternative is the use of solution-processed electrodes obtained via inkjet printing or spray-coating deposition, using semitransparent conducting polymer such as PEDOT:PSS [17,28]. However, being a water-soluble polymer, PEDOT:PSS based compounds are not chemically stable, especially when exposed to moisture and aqueous solution.…”

A study of the electroluminescence mechanism in a light-emitting composite produced with PEDOT:PSS, PVA and Zn2SiO4:Mn

“…The lightemitting composite solution was prepared with three different materials: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Σ-Aldrich (M w 89000-98000, 99% hydrolyzed), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), commercialized as Clevios™ PH 1000 and purchased from Heraeus, and Zn 2 SiO 4 :Mn powder, with micrometric particles, purchased from Fluka. Some fundamental characteristics of these materials, such as crystalline structure, morphological, chemical, electrical and optical properties, can be found in references [33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40].…”

“…The PEDOT:PSS solution was blended with a solution of PVA in water, also at 30 mg/ml. PVA is a high transparency polymer used to control polymeric blend conductivity and transparency [34] and to improve mechanical stability [35]. The blend composition was established at a weight ratio of (90/10 %-wt) of PEDOT:PSS/PVA.…”

“…The blend composition was established at a weight ratio of (90/10 %-wt) of PEDOT:PSS/PVA. This composition exhibits electric conductivity of 2 10 −5 S/cm and low light absorption coefficient, 0.6 μm −1 [34]. The light-emitting composite was obtained by adding Zn 2 SiO 4 :Mn micro-particles to the polymeric blend solution at a weight ratio of 90 %-wt of inorganic material and 10 %-wt of polymeric blend.…”

Dielectric properties of thin films of Babassu‐based polymer and polyaniline blends

“…Alongside suitable carrier mobility, low cost and environmental safety are among the most sought characteristics. Organic devices such as: capacitors, anodes batteries, optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), and transistors employing for instance: carbon nanotubes, graphene, polyaniline (PAni), and silver nanoparticles as active layer have been identified as presenting relative good performance.…”