PEDOT:PSS-based high-performance thermoelectrics

Abstract

Global warming and environmental pollution from fossil fuels have spurred the need for clean energy technologies, among which thermoelectric (TE) devices are promising due to their ability to convert waste heat into electricity. Conducting polymers, particularly poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), have emerged as notable organic TE materials owing to their inherent low thermal conductivity, non-toxicity, and mechanical flexibility. PEDOT:PSS exhibits good stability under high doping level, yielding high electrical conductivity over 1000 S cm⁻¹. This review focuses on the enhancement of the TE performance of PEDOT:PSS through strategies such as post-solvent treatments to selectively remove excess PSS, thereby improving charge carrier mobility and electrical conductivity. Additionally, modifying the interaction between PEDOT and PSS can optimize the macro- and microstructure, leading to improved charge transport properties. The formation of PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites further enhances the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity by enabling effective energy-filtering and improved charge transport pathways. These advancements underscore the potential of PEDOT:PSS in developing efficient, flexible, and stable TE generators for various applications.

Graphical abstract

Strategies to improve thermoelectric performance of PEDOT:PSS