Understanding the Inherent Properties of Vapor Phase Poly (3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Deposited Stretchable Conducting Films

Stretchable conducting films are a prime necessity for future stretchable and wearable electronics. In this work, highly conducting poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):Tosylate (PEDOT:Tos) films are deposited on extremely stretchable styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) substrates via vapor phase polymerization (VPP) and their inherent properties are systematically studied. The charge transport and electrical properties of VPP PEDOT:Tos stretchable films are measured from room temperature down to the low temperature of 5 K. Interestingly, the mechanical properties of the stretchable substrate lead to buckling of the PEDOT:Tos that affect the electrical conductivity but not the charge carrier mobility, optical, and structural properties. The VPP PEDOT:Tos on the stretchable SEBS substrate show a semiconducting behavior as electrical resistance is enhanced upon cooling from room temperature to 5 K. Such kind of stretchable conducting films can be used for stretchable transistors, wearable sensing, energy storage, and electrochromic applications. The fully stretchable PEDOT conducting polymer using vapor phase polymerization is reported and their inherent properties are studied. The charge carrier and structural properties at low temperature conditions are evaluated to understand the structure-property relationship. This study revives the use of stretchable polymers for fabricating next generation thin film electronic devices for wearable applications. image