Work

Spectroscopic decoding of solvent treatments in PEDOT:PSS via XPS and EPR analysis of charge transport

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS is widely used in flexible electronics; however, the structural and electronic impacts of secondary doping remain poorly understood at the molecular level. In this study, we employ a dual-spectroscopy strategy—x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR)—to elucidate how ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) modulate the structure and charge transport properties of PEDOT:PSS films. While DMSO facilitates benzoid-to-quinoid transitions and supports polaron organization, EG promotes partial PSS removal and film morphology refinement. Spectroscopic analysis revealed a direct correlation between secondary doping-induced structural reordering and electronic structure characteristics, resulting in conductivity enhancements exceeding 400-fold relative to pristine PEDOT:PSS. By directly linking spectroscopic signatures with electrical performance, this work provides a molecular-level perspective on secondary doping effects, offering a rational basis for designing next-generation conductive polymer systems.

Source: Materials Research Express

DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/adec3f

Authors: B Ş Akdemir, S Kol, N Kizildağ, A Y Oral

Institution: Gebze Technical University

Language: English

Topic: Conducting polymers and applications

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000

Funder: Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu