The effect of co-dopants on the processability of intrinsically conducting polymers

Using a combination of functionalized dopants was found to be a simple method to improve the processability of intrinsically conducting polymers while retaining relatively high levels of conductivity. Two intrinsically conducting polymers, poly(3-octylthiophene) and polyaniline were co-doped with various combinations of dopants. In both systems, solubility was improved and coherent films were formed directly from common organic solvents without the need for a post-processing doping step. Co-doped intrinsically conducting polymer films exhibited conductivities up to 10(-2) S/cm. Additionally, certain polyaniline complexes were capable of being melt processed without loss of conductivity.