Enhancement of conductivity and transmittance of graphene oxide/PEDOT:PSS electrodes and the evaluation of charge transfer dynamics

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate), PEDOT:PSS, is a polymeric composite that can substitute indium tin oxide (ITO), enabling ITO-free organic devices. However, PEDOT:PSS films have conductivities two orders of magnitude lower than ITO due to the presence of PSS, an insulator polymer added to provide water dispersion to PEDOT. To enhance the electrical performance of the films and overcome the insulator limitations, we prepared thin films of graphene oxide (GO) and PEDOT:PSS composites. The dried films were then treated with ethylene glycol (EG). An increment of two orders of magnitude in conductivity values was observed, as well as an increase in transmittance at the visible region. Also, GO:PEDOT:PSS thin films became more hydrophobic due to the partial removal of PSS. The mass ratio that is equal to 0.058 of GO/PEDOT provides higher electrical conductivity due to higher chain orientation of PEDOT as seen in the near edge X-ray absorption fine structure and resonant Auger spectroscopy measurements. The electrical transport follows the Mott Variable Range Hopping model for low temperature, showing that the conduction occurs in three dimensions. The solvent treatment increases the characteristic conductivity and decreases the activation hopping energy, with the characteristic temperature remaining almost unchanged. It indicates that the EG treatment promotes a decrease in charge transfer time and resistivity.