Tuning the optoelectronic properties of PEDOT:PSS-PVP core–shell electrospun nanofibers by solvent-quantum dot doping and phase inversion

Abstract

In the present study core–shell PEDOT:PSS-polyvinylpirrolidone nanofibers were synthesized by coaxial electrospinning. These fibers were doped with different solvents (dimethylsulphoxide, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and ethylene glycol), and PbS nanoparticles at different concentrations; additionally, the coaxial electrospinning setup process was inverted in order to exchange the phases comprising the core–shell morphology. Experimental results showed that DMSO and IPA solvents produced a change in the PEDOT:PSS phase from its benzoid structure to a more conjugated (quinoid) one. The synthesized samples displayed an increment in the conductance of the composite nanofibers, based on a more conjugated structure of the PEDOT:PSS phase, and a better dispersion of the PbS nanoparticles within the nanofibers; this increment was, under certain synthesis conditions, up to three orders of magnitude higher than in the case of the nanofibers with no solvent, nor nanoparticles, added. Photoresponse also showed a clear increment in the value of the photogenerated current as the concentration of the nanoparticles increased. Inverting the arrangement of the core–shell phases in the nanofibers increased the conductance and the photogenerated current in the cases analyzed. These results show novel evidence on the capability of tuning the conductance and photoresponse of composite core–shell nanofibers, based on the doping of the PEDOT:PSS phase with different solvents and PbS nanoparticles, and the arrangement of the core–shell phases. Tailoring the optoelectronic properties of conductive, flexible nanofibers is a desirable competence in technological areas such as transparent flexible conductors, biosensors and tissue engineering.

Soft Fiber Electronics Based on Semiconducting Polymer

“…Mendoza-Diaz et al fabricated PEDOT:PSS nanofibers using coaxial electrospinning with PVP as the shell and modified their charge carrier transport properties and photoresponse ability by varying the concentrations of doping solvent and lead(II) sulfide (PbS) NPs. 643 Furthermore, Chen et al fabricated P3HT nanofibers using a coaxial electrospinning technique, with P3HT as the core layer polymer and poly(methyl methacrylate) as the shell polymer (Figure 27e). 644 The presence of the shell layer prevented the diffusion of the core solution and ensured the stability of fiber molding and its continuous preparation.…”

“…The viscoelastic liquid for the shell can enhance the elasticity of the interface, thereby further stabilizing the inner conjugated polymer nanofibers. Mendoza-Diaz et al fabricated PEDOT:PSS nanofibers using coaxial electrospinning with PVP as the shell and modified their charge carrier transport properties and photoresponse ability by varying the concentrations of doping solvent and lead­(II) sulfide (PbS) NPs . Furthermore, Chen et al fabricated P3HT nanofibers using a coaxial electrospinning technique, with P3HT as the core layer polymer and poly­(methyl methacrylate) as the shell polymer (Figure e) .…”

Conjugated Copolymers through Electrospinning Synthetic Strategies and Their Versatile Applications in Sensing Environmental Toxicants, pH, Temperature, and Humidity

“…In general, many CPs furnish rigid backbones with higher crystallinity that consequently exhibit the poor solubility with common solvents hindering its ES processability. The doping works better in overcoming solubility issues, for example, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT PSS) forms conductive continuous pathways upon addition of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solvents [50]. Co-solvent utilization improved the highly ordered homogenous fibers with a smoother Various factors influence the formation of bead free smooth nanofibrous structures such as spinning condition, polymer solution, and environmental conditions.…”

Effect of pH Value on the Electrical Properties of PEDOT:PSS-Based Fiber Mats

“…There are other studies that used coaxial electrospinning; in these, the optical and electrical properties of fibers containing PEDOT:PSS in the core 37,38 or in the shell 38 were evaluated. The electrical performance of single nozzle electrospun PEDOT:PSS-based fiber mats has been explored in many studies.…”

“…In one study by Huang et al, the carrier polymer was avoided by blending PEDOT:PSS with a small amount of magnesium nitrate that acted as a thickener to facilitate electrospinning. There are other studies that used coaxial electrospinning; in these, the optical and electrical properties of fibers containing PEDOT:PSS in the core , or in the shell were evaluated.…”