Abstract
In this work, we report a systematic study on charge transport and thermo-electric properties of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate):poly(ethylene glycol) (PEDOT-PSS:PEG) organic thin films doped with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Transparent and flexible hybrid nanocomposite films were prepared by a simple strategy via bar coating technique. The effect of PEG treatment and AgNPs nanoparticles distribution in PEDOT-PSS films was examined through various characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The content of AgNPs in PEDOT-PSS:PEG was varied and optimized for 10 wt% as a percolation threshold. The addition of AgNPs and subsequent PEG treatment enhances the conductivity of PEDOT-PSS films from 2 to 420.33 S/cm due to the removal of non-complexed PSS and synergetic interaction between PEDOT-PSS and AgNPs segments via PEG. These highly conductive nanocomposite films were employed in an organic thermo-electric (TE) device to investigate the TE properties. These PEG treated PEDOT-PSS: AgNPs nanocomposite organic films exhibit a enhanced power factor from 6 mu W/mK(2) to 85 mu W/mK(2) which is nearly 15 times higher than that of pure PEDOT-PSS thin films. Due to ease of processing, flexibility, excellent charge transport, and thermo-electric properties, these PEG-treated PEDOT-PSS:AgNPs nanocomposite films can be potential thermo-electric materials for organic electronic devices operated at room temperature.