Vapor phase synthesis of conducting polymer nanocomposites incorporating 2D nanoparticles

The one step fabrication of nanocomposite films of conducting polymers with 2D nanoparticles is investigated in this study. Specifically, the inclusion of nanomaterials (single layer graphene, single layer molybdenum disulfide) within PEDOT is achieved using the vapor phase polymerization (VPP) technique. This facile process allows for the formation of thin films of the order of less than 200 nm, which display a wide range of enhanced properties (mechanical, optical, and electrochemical). Herein, in a typical example with added graphene (<0.003% w/w), the in-plane modulus of the film is increased to 145 GPa (ca. 65% increase above PEDOT−Tos) without any decrease in light transmission or lowering of conductivity. Furthermore, the nanocomposite outperforms both the PEDOT−Tos film and a Pt substrate in the reduction of oxygen when acting as an air-electrode.