Micro/Nano‐Fabrication of Flexible Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene)‐Based Conductive Films for High‐Performance Microdevices

Abstract

With the increasing demands for novel flexible organic electronic devices, conductive polymers are now becoming the rising star for reaching such targets, which has witnessed significant breakthroughs in the fields of thermoelectric devices, solar cells, sensors, and hydrogels during the past decade due to their outstanding conductivity, solution‐processing ability, as well as tailorability. However, the commercialization of those devices still lags markedly behind the corresponding research advances, arising from the not high enough performance and limited manufacturing techniques. The conductivity and micro/nano‐structure of conductive polymer films are two critical factors for achieving high‐performance microdevices. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art technologies for developing organic devices by using conductive polymers are comprehensively summarized, which will begin with a description of the commonly used synthesis methods and mechanisms for conductive polymers. Next, the current techniques for the fabrication of conductive polymer films will be proffered and discussed. Subsequently, approaches for tailoring the nanostructures and microstructures of conductive polymer films are summarized and discussed. Then, the applications of micro/nano‐fabricated conductive films‐based devices in various fields are given and the role of the micro/nano‐structures on the device performances is highlighted. Finally, the perspectives on future directions in this exciting field are presented.

A Concise Guide to Silicone-Based Spring-Roll Actuator Assembly

“…In this study, we developed a simple fabrication process for a silicone-based DE wound spring-roll actuator and evaluated its performance. We used a commercial silicone DE film ( r = 2.8) for proof of concept, and selected a mixture of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and aminated graphenes (Gr-NH 2 ) as compliant electrodes because they meet the requirement for high conductivity at low thickness [24][25][26][27], and could easily be sprayed onto the DE film using an airbrush [28]. The excellent chemical stability and low surface energy of silicones can result in a poor adhesion with compliant electrodes.…”