Radio frequency heating of PEDOT:PSS

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that a range of carbon nanomaterials can act as susceptors for radio frequency (RF) fields, allowing for rapid and targeted heating. However, the response of conductive polymers like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have not been explored. PEDOT:PSS is a promising material due to its intrinsic conductivity and ease of processing. For the first time, we demonstrate the rapid heating response of PEDOT:PSS under applied RF fields and demonstrate RF-induced actuation of PEDOT:PSS. The highest heating temperature is achieved in the case of thicker samples compared to thinner samples, lower loading of insulating polymer added to PEDOT:PSS, and dense film structures compared to porous structures. PEDOT:PSS, PEDOT:PSS/(3‐glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GOPS), and PEDOT:PSS/GOPS/cellulose with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were used to fabricate actuators, where GOPS was used to increase the layer adhesion. When the RF field is applied to an actuator, the PEDOT:PSS layer rapidly heats, which in turn causes water desorption and actuation. To confirm that actuators bend due to water desorption, humidity response was also tested, and all sample compositions showed actuation in response to a step-change in humidity.