Modified physico–chemical properties and supercapacitive performance via DMSO inducement to PEDOT:PSS active layer

Abstract

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in order to modify it physico–chemical properties in an effort to improve its electrochemical performance. In this study, the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS was controlled through post-solvent treatment in DMSO for various dipping times. The maximum conductivity of the DMSO-treated PEDOT:PSS electrode was ∼1890Scm−1. The electrical conductivity, PEDOT to PSS ratio, chemical compositions, wettability, and surface roughness are correlated and suitably explained. The supercapacitive performance of the DMSO-treated PEDOT:PSS electrodes was studied in 1M H2SO4 within an optimized potential window of 0 to −0.6V versus Ag/AgCl. The maximum specific capacitance of the PEDOT:PSS electrode treated in DMSO for 60min was found to be ∼153Fg−1 at a 1mAcm−2 discharge current density (∼145Fg−1 at a 10mVs−1 scan rate), along with an energy density of 93Whkg−1 and a power density of 4.6kWkg−1.