Enhanced adhesion of PEDOT:PSS to substrates using polydopamine as a primer

• Published in: Polymer journal 2024-02, Vol.56 (2), p.115-120
• Main Authors: Carter, Joseph L., Kelly, Catherine A., Jenkins, Mike J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 639/301/54; 639/638/298; Adhesion; Biomaterials; Bioorganic Chemistry; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Conducting polymers; Dopamine; Electrical resistivity; Glass substrates; Optoelectronic devices; Original Article; Polyethylene terephthalate; Polymer Sciences; Polymers; Polypropylene; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Wettability
• ISSN: 0032-3896; 1349-0540
• DOI: 10.1038/s41428-023-00846-w

Utilization of the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS in flexible optoelectronic devices is hindered by poor adhesion to flexible, polymer-based substrates. In this communication, the ability of poly(dopamine) (PDA) to act as a primer and improve adhesion is probed. The presence of hydrophilic PDA on the surface of the substrate increased the wettability of polypropylene (PP); however, it was reduced for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Despite this, PDA was established as an effective primer to improve the quality and adhesion of pristine PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films on glass, PP and PET substrates. In addition, PDA did not negatively impact the sheet resistance of the PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films, indicating its suitability as a primer in flexible optoelectronic devices. Poly(dopamine) (PDA) was investigated as a primer to enhance adhesion in flexible optoelectronic devices using the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS. PDA improved wettability on polypropylene (PP) but reduced it on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). However, PDA enhanced the quality and adhesion of pristine PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films on glass, PP, and PET. Crucially, it did not negatively affect sheet resistance of PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films, establishing its suitability as a primer for flexible substrates. This research addresses a key challenge in utilizing PEDOT:PSS in flexible optoelectronics, enhancing its performance on various substrates.