Abstract
AbstractIn times where research focuses on the use of organic polymers as a base for complex organic electronic applications and improving device efficiencies, degradation is still less intensively addressed in fundamental studies. Hence, advanced neutron scattering methods are applied to investigate a model system for organic electronics composed of the widely used conductive polymer blend poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) together with nanocellulose as flexible reinforcing template material. In particular, the impact of relative humidity (RH) on the nanostructure evolution is studied in detail. The implications are discussed from a device performance point of view and the changing nanostructure is correlated with macroscale physical properties such as conductivity. The first humidification (95% RH) leads to an irreversible decrease of conductivity. After the first humidification cycle, however, the conductivity can be reversibly regained when returning to low humidity values (5% RH), which is important for device manufacturing. This finding can directly contribute to an improved usability of emerging organic electronics in daily live.
Highlights
Organic electronics are rapidly advancing in several fields such as solar cells, batteries and sensors.[1,2,3] The research is mostly discussed on their initial device performance, whereas longterm effects due to restructuring on the nanoscale as a result of environmental impacts are rarely addressed
We study the impact of D2O humidity for contrast enhancement on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs)-reinforced PEDOT:PSS model electrode thin films using grazing incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) and Time-of-flight neutron reflectometry (TOF-NR)
The loss in initial conductivity needs further structural evaluation to understand feasible pre-condition parameters to overcome these issues in organic electronic applications
Summary
Organic electronics are rapidly advancing in several fields such as solar cells, batteries and sensors.[1,2,3] The research is mostly discussed on their initial device performance, whereas longterm effects due to restructuring on the nanoscale as a result of environmental impacts are rarely addressed. To prevent a considerable swelling and potential destruction of devices based on water-soluble polymers, one can use nanofibers for enhancing the mechanical integrity In this context, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are gaining more attention as a substitute for glass or carbon fibers due to their particular mechanical properties in combination with sustainable resources and biodegradability.[8] In detail, nanocellulose extracted from wood was shown to be a good reinforcing agent in polymer nanocomposites, while retaining flexibility, lightweight, and mechanical stiffness.[9,10] Chemical functionalization of nanocellulose can be used to further tailor barrier performance of films which might be of crucial benefit for considering nanocellulose as a template for organic electronics.[11]. Conductivity and water penetration on a highly water affected material allows for future improvements on a nano length scale
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