PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite via partial intercalation of monomer into colloidal graphite prepared by in-situ polymerization

Abstract We report a synthetic route to fabricate graphite-poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanocomposite (GP) by partially intercalating aqueous oxidative 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomers into colloidal graphite layers. The colloidal graphite was dispersed in EDOT solution by ultrasonication prior to in situ polymerization process, and the resulting materials were well dispersed in EDOT even after 48 h. It is assumed that graphite was surrounded by EDOT monomers on its surface or the monomers were partially intercalated in the edge side of colloidal graphite layers. The nanocomposites (GP) represents good stability of aqueous suspension and their structural and electrical properties were evaluated. This study provides a facile and potential method to develop nanocomposites based on water-soluble conducting polymers.