Knud Reuter

Scientific importance, properties and growing applications of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)

This article summarises the industrial applications of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDT, PEDOT). The basic chemical and physical properties of PEDT are discussed to outline the fundamentals which lead to PEDT as a highly valuable electric and electronic material. PEDT applications are reviewed depending on the two different ways of preparation: in situ polymerisation of the monomer, usually carried out by the user, and applying the prefabricated polymer in the form of its water-based complex with poly(styrene sulfonic acid). Several applications like antistatic coatings, cathodes in capacitors, through-hole plating, OLEDs, OFETs, photovoltaics, and electrochromic applications are discussed in detail.

Annealing effects on the electrical conductivity of polymerized liquid crystalline 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene derivatives

Abstract 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene derivatives with aromatic, in most cases mesogenic, side groups were synthesized and their liquid crystal behaviour was characterized. These monomers were polymerized oxidatively to charged, electrically conductive polythiophenes. X-ray and atomic force microscopy studies were performed. Films of theses polythiophenes achieved via in situ polymerization were prone to a significant increase of the conductivity by annealing.

Advances in oligothiophene-based conductors and semiconductors for printed electronics

PEDOT based polyelectrolyte complexes are widely used as hole injection layers in OLEDs. They are available with high and low work functions. A new polystyrenesulfonic acid free water based complex has been developed that offers easy processing. Due to its high stability it gives rise to efficient and long living devices. Small molecule semiconductors can exhibit high charge carrier mobilities due to their high crystallinity. Oligomeric semiconductor materials with mobilities >3 cm2/Vs have been synthesized using the benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) core.