Conductive Poly Research Articles

Environment‐tolerant conductive and superhydrophobic poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide) fabric prepared via γ‐ray activation and reduced graphene oxide/nanoSiO2modification

AbstractAs one of the high‐performance polymer fibers, poly(m‐phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) is widely used in the area of military and aerospace applications. Whereas, its insulation and hydrophilic nature may lead to electric charge accumulation and dust adherence. This work aims to fabricate a PMIA fabric with integrated conductive and superhydrophobic abilities via a simple method including γ‐ray irradiation and dip‐coating. Results show that after γ‐ray irradiation, the surface roughness of PMIA was enhanced and the content of the oxygen element was increased. In the dip‐coating step, the micro‐pits and grooves on the surface of PMIA were covered totally by a layer of graphene oxide (GO). After reduction to reduced GO (rGO), a conductive network was built. The conductivity of the fabric was decreased to a minimum value of 0.5 Ω m. Meanwhile, the quite low volume resistivity was retained as 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFTS)/hydrophobic fumed silica nanoparticles (SiO2) was decorated on rGO. Due to the microscale aggregation constituted by nano‐SiO2, the fabric presented a superhydrophobic property and self‐cleaning ability against simulated Lunar dust. Furthermore, the durability performance proves that an excellent environment‐tolerant ability has been endowed to the PMIA fabric by the modification.

3D Printing of Conductive Hydrogel-Elastomer Hybrids for Stretchable Electronics.

Electronically conductive hydrogels integrated with dielectric elastomers show great promise in a wide range of applications, such as biomedical devices, soft robotics, and stretchable electronics. However, one big conundrum that impedes the functionality and performance of hydrogel-elastomer-based devices lies in the strict demands of device integration and the requirements for devices with satisfactory mechanical and electrical properties. Herein, the digital light processing three-dimensional (3D) printing method is used to fabricate 3D functional devices that bridge submillimeter-scale device resolution to centimeter-scale object size and simultaneously realize complex hybrid structures with strong adhesion interfaces and desired functionalities. The interconnected poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) network endows the PAAm hydrogel with high conductivity and superior electrical stability and poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) functions as an insulating medium. The strong interfacial bonding between the hydrogel and elastomer is achieved by incomplete photopolymerization that ensures the stability of the hybrid structure. Lastly, applications of stretchable electronics illustrated as 3D-printed electroluminescent devices and 3D-printed capacitive sensors are conceptually demonstrated. This strategy will open up avenues to fabricate conductive hydrogel-elastomer hybrids in next-generation multifunctional stretchable electronics.

Inherently Conductive Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Elastomers Synergistically Mediated by Nanocellulose/Carbon Nanotube Nanohybrids toward Highly Sensitive, Stretchable, and Durable Strain Sensors.

With the rapid development of soft electronics, flexible and stretchable strain sensors are highly desirable. However, coupling of high sensitivity and stretchability in a single strain sensor remains a challenge. Herein, a kind of conductive elastomer is constructed with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and silylated cellulose nanocrystal (SCNC)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanohybrids through a facile one-pot solution-casting method. The hydrophobic SCNCs can effectively facilitate the dispersion of CNTs in PDMS and synergistically improve the interfacial compatibility between CNTs and the PDMS matrix, resulting in favorable stress and electron transfer in the polymer network. Due to the outstanding electrical conductivity of CNTs and the excellent dispersity and high mechanical performance of SCNCs, combined with the good compatibility between SCNC-mediated carbon nanotubes (SCNC-CNTs) and PDMS, the resulting composite elastomer (SCNC-CNT/PDMS) shows high electrical conductivity (∼2.77 S m-1), tensile strength (∼5.72 MPa), and fatigue resistance properties. The strain sensor assembled by SCNC-CNT/PDMS demonstrates a high strain range above 100%, appealing strain sensitivity with a gauge factor of 37.11 at 50-100% strain, and long-term stability and durability, which is capable of monitoring both real-time human motions and acoustic vibrations. This work paves a new way for the design and controllable preparation of flexible and stretchable conductive elastomers, demonstrating promising applications in wearable devices and intelligent electronics.

Synergistic effect of barium titanate nanoparticles and graphene quantum dots on the dielectric properties and conductivity of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoroethylene) films

PVDF-HFP/BaTiO3/GQDs polymer nanocomposite films with good flexibility and high dielectric constant (ϵ) at low frequency were prepared via solution casting technique. Different compositions of BaTiO3 (non-conducting ceramic nanofiller) and Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) (conducting nanofiller) utilized as co-filler were embedded in poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoroethylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite films. The mechanical properties of PVDF-HFP/BaTiO3/GQDs nanocomposite films were also investigated. Dielectric properties of nanocomposite films such as dielectric constant (ϵ), dielectric loss (tanδ) and AC conductivity ( σac ) were also determined as a function of frequency and temperature. Highest ϵ with relatively low tanδ obtained at low frequency for maximum temperature in all polymer nanocomposite films. The σac increases from lower (100 Hz) to higher frequency up to 100 kHz and drops to zero for the further increment of frequency. These results suggest that the PVDF-HFP/BaTiO3/GQDs nanocomposites are the most promising materials for energy storage applications.

Au-assisted polymerization of conductive poly(N-phenylglycine) as high-performance positive electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors

Herein, a novel conductive poly(N-phenylglycine) (PNPG) polymer was successfully prepared, by in situ electrochemical polymerization method (+0.75 V versus Ag/AgCl) for 10 min, on flexible stainless-steel plate coated with a thin Au film (Au/SS) to serve as a binder-free pseudocapacitive PNPG/Au/SS electrode for energy storage devices. Compared to the electrode without Au coating, PNPG/Au/SS electrode exhibited better electrochemical performance with larger specific capacitance (495 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1), higher rate performance and lower resistance, which are good indications to act as a positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor devices. Combined with activated carbon as a negative electrode, an asymmetric supercapacitor device was constructed. It displayed a specific capacitance of 38 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and an energy density of 5.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 250 W kg−1. Experimentally, two asymmetric supercapacitor devices were connected in series to power a home-made windmill continuously for 8 s, revealing the high potential of this novel conductive polymer material for energy storage application.

Precision Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers Using the Kumada Methodology

Since the discovery of conductive poly(acetylene), the study of conjugated polymers has remained an active and interdisciplinary frontier between polymer chemistry, polymer physics, computation, and device engineering. One of the ultimate goals of polymer science is to reliably synthesize structures, similar to small molecule synthesis. Kumada catalyst-transfer polymerization (KCTP) is a powerful tool for synthesizing conjugated polymers with predictable molecular weights, narrow dispersities, specific end groups, and complex backbone architectures. However, expanding the monomer scope beyond the well-studied 3-alkylthiophenes to include electron-deficient and complex heterocycles has been difficult. Revisiting the successful applications of KCTP can help us gain new insight into the CTP mechanisms and thus inspire breakthroughs in the controlled polymerization of challenging π-conjugated monomers.In this Account, we highlight our efforts over the past decade to achieve controlled synthesis of homopolymers (p-type and n-type), copolymers (diblock and statistical), and monodisperse high oligomers. We first give a brief introduction of the mechanism and state-of-the-art of KCTP. Since the extent of polymerization control is determined by steric and electronic effects of both the catalyst and monomer, the polymerization can be optimized by modifying monomer and catalyst structures, as well as finding a well-matched monomer-catalyst system. We discuss the effects of side-chain steric hindrance and halogens in the context of heavy atom substituted monomers. By moving the side-chain branch point one carbon atom away from the heterocycle to alleviate steric crowding and stabilize the catalyst resting state, we were able to successfully control the polymerization of new tellurophene monomers. Inspired by innocent role of the sterically encumbered 2-transmetalated 3-alkylthiophene monomer, we introduce the treatment of hygroscopic monomers with a bulky Grignard compound as a water-scavenger for the improved synthesis of water-soluble conjugated polymers. For challenging electron-deficient monomers, we discuss the design of new Ni(II)diimine catalysts with electron-donating character which enhance the stability of the association complex between the catalyst and the growing polymer chain, resulting in the quasi-living synthesis of n-type polymers. Beyond n-type homopolymers, the Ni(II)diimine catalysts are also capable of producing electron-rich and electron-deficient diblock and statistical copolymers. We discuss how density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the role of catalyst steric and electronic effects in controlling the synthesis of π-conjugated polymers. Moreover, we demonstrate the synthesis of monodisperse high oligomers by temperature cycling, which takes full advantage of the unique character of KCTP in that it proceeds through distinct intermediates that are not reactive. The insight we gained thus far leads to the first example of isolated living conjugated polymer chains prepared by a standard KCTP procedure, with general applicability to different monomers and catalytic systems. In summarizing a decade of innovation in KCTP, we hope this Account will inspire future development in the field to overcome key challenges including the controlled synthesis of electron-deficient heterocycles, complex and high-performance systems, and degradable and recyclable materials as well as cutting-edge catalyst design.

Porous conductive elastomeric composites with carbon nanotubes suspended in the narrow pores from Co-continuous polymer blend nanocomposites

Porous conductive poly(ethylene-co-octene) (POE) elastomeric composites have been fabricated by selectively etching of the poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) phase from the co-continuous POE/PBAT/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) ternary nanocomposites in which CNTs are exclusively located in the PBAT phase. The CNTs were fully left and suspended in the narrow pores with the solvent etching of PBAT by the dichloromethane. The obtained porous composites are light weight, flexible, and elastic. Moreover, the conductivity of the porous elastic composites is 11 orders of magnitude higher than that of the ternary nanocomposites with 2.0 wt% CNTs. In addition, the fully exposure of the CNTs in the pores induces the significantly increased electromagnetic interference shielding effects. The formation of porous conductive elastomers paves new possibility to fabricate functional materials for flexible electronics.

Study on Spectro-Electrochemical Behaviour of Thin-Layer Polymer of 3-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile

A film of electrically active poly(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile) was prepared on platinum (Pt) electrode surface by oxidative electro-polymerization of 3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile monomer. The polymerization reaction was performed in a reaction medium containing monomer, and 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBABF4 ) mixture in acetonitrile (ACN) using repeated cycling at a scanning rate of 250 mV. Electrochemical polymerization of carbazole (Cz) and 3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile (25 mM) were studied with cyclic voltammetry on both Pt and ITO electrodes. The structure of the poly(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile) was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the electrochemically synthesized poly(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile) was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), where it was found that the Mw of the polymer is equal to 37900 g/mol. The polymer was characterized using dry conductivity measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, while the spectro-electrochemical studies indicated that poly(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile) films revealed a green color in the oxidized state and a high transmittance in the neutral state. Moreover the poly(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile) film is soluble in common organic solvents, like DMSO, THF, NMP and DMAC. The conductivity of poly(3-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)propanenitrile) was found to be 1.62x10-4 S/cm.

High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc Batteries Based on Organic/Organic Cathodes Integrating Multiredox Centers

AbstractOrganic cathode materials with redox‐active sites and flexible structure are promising for developing aqueous zinc ion batteries with high capacity and large output power. However, the energy storage of most organic hosts relies on the coordination/incoordination reaction between Zn2+/H+ and a single functional group, which result in inferior capacity, low discharge platform, and structural instability. Here, the lead is taken in in situ electrodepositing stable poly(1,5‐naphthalenediamine, 1,5‐NAPD) as interlayer and excellent conductive poly(para‐aminophenol, pAP) skin onto nanoporous carbon in sequence for the structural optimization of organic/organic cathodes, designated as C@multi‐layer polymer. In situ analyses, electrochemical measurements, and theoretical calculation prove that both CO and CN active groups can act as a strong electron donor as well as Zn2+ host during the discharging process. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the double organic layers, C@multi‐layer polymer delivers high capacity, long lifespan, and excellent capacity reservation even at large discharge current and commercial mass loading (>10 mg cm−2). Introducing multiredox centers into one organic composites will provide new insights into designing advanced Zn–organic batteries.

Green chemical production of biocompatible conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) by nonthermal plasma‐activated water

AbstractTo synthesize a conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) using a more environmentally friendly approach, we have previously used a nonthermal plasma (NTP) to activate H2O2 for the initiation of water‐soluble PEDOT:PSS synthesis, which has been confirmed to be degradable. Considering the instability of H2O2, we have attempted to use NTP to activate water instead of H2O2 and optimize the polymerization to achieve better effectiveness. In this study, we have also demonstrated that for the synthesis of PEDOT, an acidic condition is more suitable for more radical formation and a mild heating procedure could be used for better polymerization. Further characterizations revealed that the final product of PEDOT:PSS was not only biocompatible but also comparable to other approaches regarding conductivity.

Electrically conductive polymer composite containing hybrid graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes: synergistic effect and tunable conductivity anisotropy

Pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) were introduced into conductive poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene nanoplatelet (PMMA/GNP) composites to achieve a synergistic effect in the enhancement of the conductivity and the reduction in the percolation threshold by forming a 3-Dimensional(3-D) hybrid structure. Both the in-plane and perpendicular electrical properties were investigated. The synergies of hybrid fillers in the in-plane direction were more dependent on the total filler loading, while those in the perpendicular direction were significantly influenced by the GNP/CNT or GNP/f-CNT ratios. Typically, a schematic diagram of the evolution of the 3-D conductive pathways of PMMA/GNP/f-CNT composite at different GNP/f-CNT ratios was presented to explain this phenomenon. Moreover, tunable conductivity anisotropy (defined as the ratio of in-plane conductivity to perpendicular conductivity) ranging from 0.01 to 1000 was achieved, simply by constructing different conductive structures at various filler loadings or ratios in composites.Graphical abstractThe synergistic effect of GNPs and f-CNTs varies with the microstructural conductive network evolution at different filler ratios.

Conductive Polymer Composites for Hydrogen Sulphide Sensors Working at Sub-PPM Level and Room Temperature.

Hybrid composites based on tin chloride and the conductive polymers, polyaniline (PAni) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), were integrated into high-performance hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas sensors working at room temperature. The morphology and chemical properties were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). The composites demonstrated a slightly porous nanostructure and strong interactions between the polymers and the metal salt, which slightly dopes PAni. The hybrid sensors exhibited a very low detection limit (<85 ppb), fast response, repeatability, reproducibility and stability over one month. Moreover, this work presents how calibration based on the derivative of the signal can give hybrid sensors the ability to quantify the concentration of targeted gas, even during continuous variation of the analyte concentration. Finally, the effect of interfering species, such as water and ammonia, is discussed.

Rapid detection of influenza A (H1N1) virus by conductive polymer-based nanoparticle via optical response to virus-specific binding.

A recurrent pandemic with unpredictable viral nature has implied the need for a rapid diagnostic technology to facilitate timely and appropriate countermeasures against viral infections. In this study, conductive polymer-based nanoparticles have been developed as a tool for rapid diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) virus. The distinctive property of a conductive polymer that transduces stimulus to respond, enabled immediate optical signal processing for the specific recognition of H1N1 virus. Conductive poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)-encapsulated polymeric vesicles, functionalized with peptides, were fabricated for the specific recognition of H1N1 virus. The low solubility of conductive polymers was successfully improved by employing vesicles consisting of amphiphilic copolymers, facilitating the viral titer-dependent production of the optical response. The optical response of the detection system to the binding event with H1N1, a mechanical stimulation, was extensively analyzed and provided concordant information on viral titers of H1N1 virus in 15 min. The specificity toward the H1N1 virus was experimentally demonstrated via a negative optical response against the control group, H3N2. Therefore, the designed system that transduces the optical response to the target-specific binding can be a rapid tool for the diagnosis of H1N1.Electronic Supplementary MaterialSupplementary material (Table S1 and Figs. S1–S8) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12274-021-3772-6.

Synergistic Dissociation-and-Trapping Effect to Promote Li-Ion Conduction in Polymer Electrolytes via Oxygen Vacancies.

Despite their promised safety and mechanical flexibility, solvent-free polymer electrolytes suffer from low Li-ion conductivities due to poor dissociation of conducting salts and low Li+ -transference numbers due to Li+ -trapping by ether-linkages. In this work, the authors found that oxygen vacancies carried by nanosized Al2 O3 fillers preferentially promotes Li+ -conduction in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). These vacancies and free electrons therein, whose concentration can be tuned, effectively break up the ion pairs by weakening the Coulombic attraction within them, while simultaneously interacting with the anions, thus preferentially constraining the movement of anions. This synergistic dissociation-and-trapping effect leads to the significant and selective improvement in Li-ion conductivity. Solid state batteries built on such PEO-based electrolytes exhibits superior performance at high current density. This discovery reveals a molecular-level rationale for the long-observed phenomenon that certain inorganic nano-fillers improve ion conduction in PEO, and provides a universal approach to tailor superior polymer-based electrolytes for the next generation solid-state batteries.

Humidity Sensor Based on PEO/PEDOT:PSS Blends for Breath Monitoring

AbstractThe discrimination of humidity in exhaled breath is of utmost importance to turn breath analysis into an efficient noninvasive tool for early diagnosis or treatment monitoring of several diseases. Herein, by assembling different ratios of the conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate with the polymer matrix polyethylene oxide (PEO), humidity chemiresistor‐based sensors are designed and investigated. The testing results display a broad relative humidity detection range (6–92%), repeatability, reproducibility, and good reversibility. Meanwhile, the sensors possess good reliability for distinct temperatures and in the presence of typical volatile organic compounds found in human exhaled air. The hygroscopic idiosyncrasy of PEO is attributed to be the main responsible for the high sensibility toward humidity. In a proof‐of‐principle for detection of respiration humidity, the outcome shows the ability of the chemiresistors to detect the humidity variation in a real case of breath exposure up to 2 s intervals. The 30 d trial of stability readings shows a standard deviation of only 2.6%. These sensing devices appear as a new array component able to distinguish moisture from biomarkers of diagnosed diseases in breath analysis.

A straightforward fabrication of solid-state lithium secondary batteries based on multi-functional poly(arylene ether sulfone)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) material

Lithium ion conductive poly(arylene ether sulfone)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAES-g-PEG) is synthesized for the application of solid state electrolyte membrane and electrode binder. The solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) system prepared from PAES-g-PEG and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrollidum bis(fluoromethane sulfonyl) (PYR-1,4-TFSI) ionic liquid illustrates high ion conductivity of 8.48 × 10−4 S cm−1 and low interfacial resistance at room temperature, along with excellent thermal and mechanical stability (degradation temperature > 180 °C and tensile strength > 0.8 MPa). As the PAES-g-PEG containing lithium bis (fluoromethane sulfonyl) (LiTFSI) salt exhibits not only such high conductivity of 2.11 × 10−4 S cm−1 but also excellent adhesive strength (>23 MPa), it plays an important role as a binder for the electrode. As the active electrode materials such as LiCoO2 (LCO) and LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC 622) are quite well compatible with PAES-g-PEG, the battery cells fabricated by binding the synthesized SPE and cathode layer show excellent cell performance of 139.01 mAh g−1 (LCO) and 158.15 mAh g−1 (NMC 622) at 0.1C. When this multi-functional PAES-g-PEG material is applied to the lithium sulfur battery system, the resulting cell discharge capacity is even higher than 925 mAh g−1 at 0.1C with long term cyclic stability.

High-Performance Transparent PEDOT: PSS/CNT Films for OLEDs.

Improved OLED systems have great potential for next-generation display applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the conductive polymers poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) have attracted great interest for advanced applications, such as optoelectronic products. In this paper, the simultaneous enhancement of the conductivity, roughness, and adhesion properties of transparent conductive films with PEDOT: PSS/CNTs is reported. These films prepared by a simple spin-coating process were successfully used to produce high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with an improved lifetime. Addition of PEDOT: PSS lowered the film sheet resistance and CNTs helped to enhance the stability and maintain the lifetime of the OLEDs. In addition, treatment with methanol and nitric acid changed the morphology of the polymer film, which led to greatly reduced sheet resistance, enhanced substrate adhesion, and reduced film roughness. The best performance of the film (PEDOT: PSS: CNT = 110: 1, W/W) was 100.34 Ω/sq.@ 90.1 T%. High transmittance, low sheet resistance, excellent adhesion, and low roughness (3.11 nm) were achieved synchronously. The fabricated OLED demonstrated a low minimum operating voltage (3 V) and could endure high voltage (20 V), at which its luminance reached 2973 cd/m2. Thus, the incorporation of CNTs within PEDOT: PSS electrodes has great potential for the improvement of the performance of OLED devices.

Enhancing the Sensitivity of the Virus BioResistor by Overoxidation: Detecting IgG Antibodies.

The Virus BioResistor (VBR) is a biosensor capable of rapid and sensitive detection of small protein disease markers using a simple dip-and-read modality. For example, the bladder cancer-associated protein DJ-1 (22 kDa) can be detected in human urine within 1.0 min with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 pM. The VBR uses engineered virus particles as receptors to recognize and selectively bind the protein of interest. These virus particles are entrained in a conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT channel. The electrical impedance of the channel increases when the target protein is bound by the virus particles. But VBRs exhibit a sensitivity that is inversely related to the molecular weight of the protein target. Thus, large proteins, such as IgG antibodies (150 kDa), can be undetectable even at high concentrations. We demonstrate that the electrochemical overoxidation of the VBR's PEDOT channel increases its electrical impedance, conferring enhanced sensitivity for both small and large proteins. Overoxidation makes possible the detection of two antibodies, undetectable at a normal VBR, with a limit of detection of 40 ng/mL (250 pM), and a dynamic range for quantitation extending to 600 ng/mL.

Highly electrically conductive silver-coated poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fiber prepared by poly(catechol/polyamine) surface modification

In this work, poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide)(PPTA) fiber was modified by catechol and tetraethylenepentamine through Michael addition and Schiff base reaction. Then the silver-coated PPTA fiber was prepared by electroless plating. The SEM images showed that the phenolic hydroxyl group of catechol has a strong adhesion effect and a metal binding ability, which can make the silver particles tightly coated on the surface of PPTA fiber. The XPS and XRD results indicate that the Ag on the surface of the PPTA fiber is elemental silver, and there is no diffraction peaks of silver halide and silver oxide. The resistivity of the silver-coated PPTA fiber prepared with the deposition time of 2h has reached 0.1m^cm. This highly conductive PPTA/Ag fiber can be used in the field of flexible conductive materials and electromagnetic shielding clothing.

Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(Styrene Sulfonate)/SnO2 Nanocomposites.

Conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is widely used for practical applications such as energy conversion and storage devices owing to its good flexibility, processability, high electrical conductivity, and superior optical transparency, among others. However, its hygroscopic character, short durability, and poor thermoelectric performance compared to inorganic counterparts has greatly limited its high-tech applications. In this work, PEDOT:PSS/SnO2 nanocomposites have been prepared via a simple, low cost, environmentally friendly method without the use of organic solvents or compatibilizing agents. Their morphology, thermal, thermoelectrical, optical, and mechanical properties have been characterized. Electron microscopy analysis revealed a uniform dispersion of the SnO2 nanoparticles, and the Raman spectra revealed the existence of very strong SnO2-PEDOT:PSS interactions. The stiffness and strength of the matrix gradually increased with increasing SnO2 content, up to 120% and 65%, respectively. Moreover, the nanocomposites showed superior thermal stability (as far as 70 °C), improved electrical conductivity (up to 140%), and higher Seebeck coefficient (about 80% increase) than neat PEDOT:PSS. On the other hand, hardly any change in optical transparency was observed. These sustainable nanocomposites show considerably improved performance compared to commercial PEDOT:PSS, and can be highly useful for applications in energy storage, flexible electronics, thermoelectric devices, and related fields.