Effect of Graphene Nanoparticle Concentrations on Energy Consumption and Electrical Properties of PEDOT: PSS Conductive Thin Film

This research study aims to improve the optical and electrical properties of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) conductive thin films by varying the concentration of graphene (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 wt%). Ultrasonication was used to incorporate graphene nanoparticles into the PEDOT:PSS solution, followed by a post-treatment with ethylene glycol. The films were deposited using the spin coating technique at 2000 rpm for 30 sec and then annealed in an argon inert atmosphere. Efficient processing resulted in even peaks, with an optimum crystalline size of 23 nm observed at a 0.6 wt% graphene concentration, as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. This concentration yielded the highest conductivity of 2105 S/cm, an optimal sheet resistance of 200 Ω/sq, and energy consumption of 86 Wh. However, the addition of graphene reduced the transparency and flexibility of the films, achieving 71% flexibility and 82% transparency at the same concentration. These results indicate that the incorporation of graphene significantly enhances the electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films.