Conductive Polymer Films Using Ether-Containing Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aqueous dispersions of electrically conducting polymers, such as those used in organic electronic devices, often have low pH levels leading to decreased device lifespan and corrosion, and provide conductivity lower than 10^-3 S/cm, which is inadequate for many applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ether-containing polymer, such as sulfonated poly(hydroxyphenylphthalazinone ether ketone), into the dispersion, along with a fluorinated or non-fluorinated colloid-forming polymeric acid, to enhance the properties of conductive polymer films, including improved resistivity stability and processability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aqueous dispersions of electrically conducting polymers are used, then the device can be manufactured, but the pH level is low leading to decreased device lifespan and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
A water-soluble polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance in the dispersion formulation. This polymer acts as a buffer and protective agent that raises the pH level of the aqueous dispersion, reducing corrosion and extending device lifespan without compromising the electrical conductivity of the polythiophene coating.
2Reliability
If conventional aqueous dispersions of electrically conducting polymers are used, then the device can be manufactured, but the conductivity is lower than 10^-3 S/cm which is inadequate for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation parameters of the aqueous dispersion are optimized by adjusting the ratios of polythiophene, water-soluble polymer, and oxidizing agent. This parameter optimization enables the dispersion to achieve both high electrical conductivity (>10^-3 S/cm) and stability upon drying, making it suitable for various electronic applications.
3Reliability
If the dispersion is dried to form a coating, then the film can be applied to substrates, but the resistivity stability during annealing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble polymer in the dispersion formulation provides continuous protective action during the drying and annealing processes. This polymer maintains the structural integrity and electrical properties of the polythiophene coating throughout thermal processing, ensuring resistivity stability even after extended annealing periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The approach results in conductive polymer films with enhanced resistivity stability during annealing and improved conductivity, suitable for use in organic electronic devices, extending their lifetime and performance.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous dispersions comprising electrically conductive polymers... incorporating an ether-containing polymer... to enhance the properties of conductive polymer films
Implementation Method 2
dispersions synthesized in the presence of at least one ether containing polymer and optionally at least one fluorinated, colloid forming polymeric acid and at least one non-fluorinated polymeric acid
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An aqueous dispersion and a method for making an aqueous dispersion. The dispersion including at least one conductive polymer such as a polythienothiophene, at least one ether containing polymer and optionally at least one colloid-forming polymeric acid and one non-fluorinated polymeric acid. Devices utilizing layers formed of the inventive dispersions are also disclosed.