Enhancing thermoelectric performance of PEDOT: PSS: A review of treatment and nanocomposite strategies

Abstract

Thermoelectric (TE) materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential for converting waste heat into usable electricity. However, traditional TE materials are plagued by limitations such as low energy efficiency, toxicity, and high temperature requirements for synthesis. Consequently, researchers have turned their focus to organic conducting polymers, specifically poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), due to their high electrical conductivity, processability, stability, and flexibility. This review provides a detailed examination of recent advancements in boosting the TE performance of PEDOT: PSS. It focuses on two key strategies: innovative chemical treatments and nanocomposite approaches. By dissecting the mechanisms, processing techniques, and resultant performance improvements, this review brings a unique perspective to the PEDOT: PSS field. Interestingly, there's a notable lack of dedicated reviews exploring the enhancement of the PEDOT: PSS's TE performance through chemical treatments, whilst the growing popularity of nanocomposite strategies underscores the need for a timely overview. This review bridges both gaps, offering valuable insights. Furthermore, the review also looks ahead, suggesting important areas for future research. These include augmenting carrier mobility, fine-tuning polymer architecture, optimizing doping levels, and formulating economically viable and scalable methodologies for synthesizing nanocomposites. Considering its relevance today, this paper has the potential to be a useful resource for researchers exploring the changing field of thermoelectric advancements.