Robust and Highly Conductive PEDOT:PSS:Ag Nanowires/Polyethyleneimine Multilayers Based on Ionic Layer-by-Layer Assembly for E-Textiles and 3D Electronics

Abstract

This study shows the production of robust and highly conductive multilayers through the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PE-DOT:PSS):Ag nanowires and counterionic compounds, including monomeric tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and chitosan and polyethylenimine (PEI). These materials provide a strong electrostatic interaction with PEDOT:PSS and enable a reliable interface between the layers during the LBL process. Systematic chemical and electrical analyses of the multilayers reveal that the use of PEI results in the highest electrical conductivity (2034 S cm −1 at six LBL cycles) and interfacial adhesion (8.9 mN at the tearing stress). Furthermore, the use of PEI generates a powerful interconnection for electrical circuit patterns with low contact resistance (∼5 Ω) and robust mechanical durability during the water-assisted welding process. Finally, we successfully show the use of this material in electronic textile applications and 3D electronics based on water-assisted welding and transfer printing technology to confirm its feasibility for use in device applications.

Direct Writing of Silver Nanowire Patterns with Line Width down to 50 μm and Ultrahigh Conductivity

“…In terms of raw materials, metals are more favorable for DIW than carbon-based materials or conducting polymers due to their intrinsically high conductivity and lower cost . In recent years, significant progress has been made in DIW printing metallic nanoparticles and conducting polymers into high-resolution and highly conductive patterns. ,− To ensure good properties of printed electrodes, metallic nanoparticle inks require a high concentration of polymeric thickening agent, a slow writing rate, and harsh post-treatment conditions such as high temperature sintering, making the DIW process impractical. ,, The inherent low conductivity of conducting polymers, on the other hand, restricts the application of this type of electrode. , In contrast, one-dimensional (1D) metallic nanowires have emerged as more promising building blocks for electronic device construction. Due to their large length-to-diameter ratio, metallic nanowires, which can be synthesized large-scale via wet chemistry, can form percolative conducting networks at extremely low concentrations. − However, this unique structural characteristic creates enormous printing challenges for their DIW.…”

“…29,31,32 The inherent low conductivity of conducting polymers, on the other hand, restricts the application of this type of electrode. 33,34 In contrast, one-dimensional (1D) metallic nanowires have emerged as more promising building blocks for electronic device construction. Due to their large length-to-diameter ratio, metallic nanowires, which can be synthesized large-scale via wet chemistry, can form percolative conducting networks at extremely low concentrations.…”

The Effect of Pre-Stretched Substrate on the Electrical Resistance of Printed Ag Nanowires

“…One-dimensional nanomaterials have drawn attention as an alternative electrode material for stretchable electronics [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Especially, silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have been studied as stretchable electrodes materials for strain sensors [ 13 ], 3D electronics [ 14 ] and freeform-shaped electronics [ 15 ], and printed circuit boards [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Ultrathin Smart Energy-Storage Devices for Skin-Interfaced Wearable Electronics

“…Such an organic/inorganic composite electrochromic electrode provides a longer cycling life . PEDOT:PSS is also commonly used for developing highly transparent and conductive electrodes with silver nanowires (AgNWs). − Therefore, the incorporation of PEDOT:PSS and AgNWs is expected to be a highly effective approach to significantly enhancing the electrochromic and electrochemical performance of electrodes, especially those composed of semiconducting electroactive nanomaterials.…”