Structure, Polymerization Kinetics, and Performance of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanomaterials

Conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was synthesized via an oxidative polymerization process in the presence of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The polymerization kinetics and parameters affecting the physical and electrical properties of the PEDOT:CNC nanomaterials were systematically investigated. Our findings reveal that the unique nanostructure of PEDOT:CNC and the tunable surface functionality of CNCs play a major role in conductivity enhancement. The conductivity of PEDOT:CNC films reached up to 23.8 S cm–1 without post-treatment; this is ∼2 orders of magnitude higher than commercial PEDOT:PSS (ca. 0.26 S cm–1). PEDOT:CNC aqueous suspensions exhibit shear-thinning and gel-like behavior as opposed to PEDOT:PSS, which predominantly behaves as a viscous fluid. These findings highlight the potential utility of PEDOT:CNC nanomaterials in organic electronic applications, particularly as conductive inks for printed electronics.