PEDOT:PSS materials for optoelectronics, thermoelectrics, and flexible and stretchable electronics

Abstract

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) materials have emerged as promising metallic conductors and semiconductors in photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, thermoelectrics, photodetectors and strain sensors. PEDOT:PSS serves as flexible transparent electrodes, hole transporting/injection layers, thermoelectric layers, perovskite hybrid components, motion- and temperature sensors and stretchable conductors, and it remains the research frontiers of the modern electronics. This review first introduces the basic principles of the functionalized films and their current research status. It illustrates the approaches to raise the optoelectrical and thermoelectrical properties, work function, stretchability, stability and wettability of the films. Then, the cutting-edge progresses on the aforementioned devices are highlighted. The underlying mechanism of device performance enhancements are illustrated. Besides, striking advantages but plausible issues are also pointed out. Finally, perspectives, challenges and suggestions are put forward to promote a true implementation of the optoelectronics and thermoelectrics. This featured review raises the awareness of the importance of the relationships between PEDOT:PSS properties and device performances. It guides the continued developments of the modern electronics.