The Effect of Synthetic Conditions on the Characteristics of Carrageenan‐Doped Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene).

Carrageenan‐doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is synthesized via oxidative polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene monomer, using Na2S2O8 and Fe2(SO4)3 as oxidation agents, at a controlled pH of 10–11, in the presence of carrageenan as the doping agent (dopant). As with polystyrene sulfonate, the most common doping agent for PEDOT, carrageenan also possess ─SO3− functional groups that are capable of interacting with PEDOT chains. The PEDOT/carrageenan (PEDOT/Carr) dispersions are prepared in this study in 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 ratios by weight. Different types of carrageenans result in PEDOT/Carr dispersions of different processabilities. The PEDOT/Carr ratios are investigated for their effects on the physical properties of the films. The results show that carrageenan is successfully doped to PEDOT to form PEDOT/Carr complex. Increasing amount of carrageenan in dispersion result in more processable PEDOT/Carr dispersions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]