Radiation-induced reduction–polymerization route for the synthesis of PEDOT conducting polymers

Synthesis of conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, is achieved through an original reduction–polymerization route: γ-radiolysis of aqueous solutions containing EDOT monomers under N2 atmosphere. According to UV–vis absorption spectrophotometry and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, reduction of EDOT is initiated by hydrated electrons produced by water radiolysis and leads to PEDOT polymers through coupling reactions. The morphology of PEDOT is characterized by Cryo- TEM microscopy in aqueous solution and by SEM after deposition. In an original way, high resolution AFM microscopy, coupled with infrared nanospectroscopy, is used to probe the local chemical composition of PEDOT nanostructures. The results demonstrate that spherical self-assembled PEDOT nanostructures are formed. TGA analysis and four point probe measurements demonstrate that thermal stability and electrical conductivity of PEDOT polymers obtained by the present original reduction–polymerization method are close to those of PEDOT we previously prepared by radiolysis according to an oxidation–polymerization route. [Display omitted] •A reduction–polymerization route is developed for synthesizing conducting polymers.•Hydrated electrons are used to reduce EDOT monomers into PEDOT polymers.•A mechanistic study of EDOT reduction is considered.•Chemical and morphological characterizations of PEDOT are made.•Their properties are compared with those of PEDOT polymers previously synthesized.