UV irradiation induced conductivity improvement in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) film

We describe a simple method to increase the conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS)film by exposure to ultraviolet(UV)light in vacuum.Up to four order of conductivity improvement(from 10 3to 50 S/cm)is achieved by irradiating PEDOT:PSS film with 254 nm ultraviolet(UV)light.Increased conductivity in UV treated PEDOT:PSS film is stable under ambient exposure.The mechanism for conductivity improvement is investigated by current-voltage measurement,atomic force microscopy,and absorption spectrum.Photo-cross-linking of PSS chains is determined as the reason for conductivity improvement.Our result demonstrates that UV treatment is capable of modifying the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS film independent of the process of film formation.