How To Choose Polyelectrolytes For Aqueous Dispersions Of Conducting Pedot Complexes

By using different polysaccharide and polysulfonylimide type polyelectrolytes for the synthesis of aqueous PEDOT:polyelectrolyte dispersions, the influence of the polyelectrolyte backbone and of the anionic groups on the properties of the resulting PEDOT:polyelectrolyte complex has been studied. The obtained PEDOT:polyelectrolyte systems were characterized regarding the doping and the morphology of the complexes in dispersion as well as regarding the optoelectronic properties and the morphology of the dry PEDOT:polyelectrolyte films. Polyelectrolytes with high molar mass, a rigid backbone, and strongly acidic functionalities resulted in highly conducting PEDOT:polyelectrolyte films, while polyelectrolytes with flexible backbones and weakly acidic groups resulted in insulating PEDOT:polyelectrolyte systems. These findings could help to develop a palette of new PEDOT:polyelectrolyte systems, which correspond better to the specific requirements of different applications.