PEDOT:PSS based reprocessingly multifunctional dispersions and their optoelectronic films with excellent self-healing capability

Abstract

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) has become a hot and excellent candidate material for organic electronics. However, its film applications are limited due to its high accidental scratching or damage brittleness, easy moisture absorption and poor mechanical properties, etc. Herein, a thermo-driven healable waterborne polyurethane (WPU-DA) was introduced into PEDOT:PSS aqueous dispersion by simple mechanical mixing. The film prepared by the uniform mixture with cracks less than 10 μm achieved multiple structural morphology healing under treating at 130 °C for 10 min and then 65 °C for 1 h, and this process had little effect on its original electrical properties. Moreover, the film has good resistance to various solvents, especially water even after 14 days of immersion. The film also has excellent flexibility and electrochromic capability which can maintain stable electrical path even after multiple bending-stretching operations. In addition, the film can realize the synergistic healing of structural morphology and electrochromic properties, and a freeze-drying and redispersion process can reproduce above characteristics, supporting the long-term storage and in-site fabrication of polymer dispersions.