Preparation of Electroconductive Paper by Coating Blends of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and Organic Solvents

摘要

Coating of base paper was performed to produce electroconductive papers using blends of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS) and organic solvents. The bulk conductivities (σ_(DC)) of coated papers were measured using four probe technique. One side and two side coating gave comparable conductivity level. Various organic solvents added to the PEDOT:PSS dispersion at different concentrations showed varying effect on the bulk conductivity. Blends containing sorbitol and isopropanol did not enhance the bulk conductivity of the coated paper. Higher concentrations of these organic solvents even lowered the conductivity. All paper samples coated with PEDOT:PSS blend containing N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exhibited higher conductivity as compared to pure PEDOT:PSS. The effect of calendering was also investigated and only the coated sample that underwent 174 kN/m showed significant conductivity enhancement. Contact angle measurement was used to monitor the effect of PEDOT:PSS blends on the hydrophilicity of all paper samples. The amount of PEDOT:PSS deposited in the fiber network was determined using total sulfur analysis. Tensile strength of all paper samples increased after treatment. Thus, it is demonstrated that enhanced conductivity in the order of 10~(-3) S/cm can be achieved for paper using organic conductive materials and conventional surface treatment techniques.