Controlling the Morphology and Conductivity of Thiophene Nanofibers using Electrospinning for Flexible devices

Abstract

The effect of morphology and the ability to maneuver the morphology to improve the conductivity of a polymer blend is the aim of this study. An electrospinning method has been used to maneuver the morphology and to obtain unique millipede-like structures of poly (ethylene oxide) PEO and poly (thiophene-benzothiadiazole-thiophene) [poly (Th-BT-Th)] blended in the ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. The blend is electrospun at varying applied voltage and collector distance. The morphology of these structures was optimized and controlled to obtain aligned fibers with Poly (Th-BT-Th) crystallites arranged perpendicular to the PEO nanofibers. Furthermore, morphological, structural, electrical properties and application in electronic devices is evaluated. Thus, an approach to impart flexibility and enhance surface area for volatile-organic-compound sensors has been presented.