Conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is effectively degradable by hydrogen peroxide with iron (II) chloride

Abstract The water soluble conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) often uses the anionic polystyrene sulfonate as the template to form PEDOT(PSS), which is estimated to have a huge market value due to the wide variety of applications derived from its promising physical and electrochemical properties. To meet the green chemistry principles, we have previously investigated and optimized the synthesis of PEDOT(PSS) catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase. In this study, we have accidently found this PEDOT(PSS) could be degraded by hydrogen peroxide at a high concentration with a long period of time, we then searched for the possibility to improve the degradation efficiency with a moderate condition. Our results have demonstrated the degradation of PEDOT(PSS) could be significantly promoted by heating, in particular by employing iron (II) chloride as a Fenton's agent. Since hydrogen peroxide is easily available and environmentally compatible, the degradation process proposed for PEDOT(PSS) is eco-friendly and sustainable.