Robust and Highly Conductive PEDOT:PSS:Ag Nanowires/Polyethyleneimine Multilayers Based on Ionic Layer-by-Layer Assembly for E-Textiles and 3D Electronics

Abstract

This study shows the production of robust and highly conductive multilayers through the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS):Ag nanowires and counterionic compounds, including monomeric tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and chitosan and polyethylenimine (PEI). These materials provide a strong electrostatic interaction with PEDOT:PSS and enable a reliable interface between the layers during the LBL process. Systematic chemical and electrical analyses of the multilayers reveal that the use of PEI results in the highest electrical conductivity (2034 S cm–1 at six LBL cycles) and interfacial adhesion (8.9 mN at the tearing stress). Furthermore, the use of PEI generates a powerful interconnection for electrical circuit patterns with low contact resistance (∼5 Ω) and robust mechanical durability during the water-assisted welding process. Finally, we successfully show the use of this material in electronic textile applications and 3D electronics based on water-assisted welding and transfer printing technology to confirm its feasibility for use in device applications.