Enhanced adhesion of PEDOT:PSS to substrates using polydopamine as a primer

Abstract Utilization of the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS in flexible optoelectronic devices is hindered by poor adhesion to flexible, polymer-based substrates. In this communication, the ability of poly(dopamine) (PDA) to act as a primer and improve adhesion is probed. The presence of hydrophilic PDA on the surface of the substrate increased the wettability of polypropylene (PP); however, it was reduced for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Despite this, PDA was established as an effective primer to improve the quality and adhesion of pristine PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films on glass, PP and PET substrates. In addition, PDA did not negatively impact the sheet resistance of the PEDOT:PSS/Tween 80 films, indicating its suitability as a primer in flexible optoelectronic devices.