Synthesis of PEDOT in a continuous microfluidic system

Abstract

Polyethylenedioxytiophene (PEDOT) is synthesized successfully and for the first time from its monomer by chemical oxidation polymerization in a microchannel device inside micro-droplets. The oxidizing agent, ammonium persulfate, with different molar ratios to the monomer was used and compared with an out-of-channel synthesized PEDOT. Details of the procedure, droplet formation mechanism inside the channel in addition to the effect of various factors are described. The device can be used as a fast and continuous method for the synthesis of PEDOT. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are the methods for evaluating and comparison of the products. The results showed that despite the same materials and conditions for in-channel polymerization, the microfluidic synthesis is much more sensitive method compared to common bulk methods.