Robust and knittable wet-spun PEDOT: PSS fibers via water

Since achieving green and sustainable development has become a global goal, a unique coagulation bath system without organic solvents has been developed for wet-spinning poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) conductive fibers. A small amount of metal ions was added to water to promote fiber solidification. Especially, with Fe3+ and thermal drawing aid, the resultant fiber reveals a maximum tensile breaking strength of 1263.1 ± 58.3 MPa, the highest reported value for pure PEDOT: PSS fibers to the best of our knowledge. The knitted fabrics woven from robust PEDOT: PSS fibers show superior flexibility and thermal insulation, demonstrating their excellent application potential in flexible electronic fabrics. [Display omitted] •Water with metal salts was developed as new coagulation bath for PEDOT: PSS fibers.•Resultant fibers reveal an optimal tensile strength (1263.1 ± 58.3 MPa) and conductivity (108.4 S cm−1).•FSC based on PEDOT: PSS fibers reveal an excellent capacitance cycle stability.•Knitted PEDOT: PSS fibers have potential application for information transmission.