ABSTRACT

We set out to demonstrate the development of a highly conductive polymer based on poly-(3,4-ethylenedithia thiophene) (PEDTT), PEDOTs structural analogue historically notorious for structural disorder and limited conductivities. The caveat therein was previously described to lie in intra-molecular repulsions. We demonstrate how a tremendous >2600-fold improvement in conductivity and metallic features, such as magnetoconductivity can be achieved. This is achieved through a careful choice of the counter-ion (sulphate) and the use of oxidative chemical vapour deposition (oCVD). It is shown that high structural order on the molecular level was established and the formation of crystallites tens of nanometres in size was achieved. We infer that the sulphate ions therein intercalate between the polymer chains, thus forming densely packed crystals of planar molecules with extended π-systems. Consequently, room-temperature conductivities of above 1000 S cm⁻¹ are achieved, challenging those of conventional PEDOT:PSS. The material is in the critical regime of the metal–insulator transition.

 抽象的

我们着手展示基于聚（3,4-乙烯二硫噻吩）（PEDTT）的高导电聚合物的开发，PEDOT 结构类似物历史上因结构无序和有限的导电性而臭名昭著。其中的警告之前被描述为分子内排斥力。我们展示了如何将电导率和金属特性（例如磁导率）实现 >2600 倍的巨大改进。这是通过仔细选择抗衡离子（硫酸根）和使用氧化化学气相沉积 (oCVD) 来实现的。结果表明，在分子水平上建立了高结构有序性，并实现了数十纳米尺寸的微晶的形成。我们推断其中的硫酸根离子插入聚合物链之间，从而形成具有扩展π系统的紧密堆积的平面分子晶体。因此，室温电导率达到了1000 S cm ^-1以上，挑战了传统的PEDOT:PSS。该材料处于金属-绝缘体转变的临界状态。