Structure and I2/I− redox catalytic behaviour of PEDOT–PSS films electropolymerized in aqueous medium: Implications for convenient counter electrodes in DSSC

The present paper focuses on the impact of different electro-synthesis processes, used to produce poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT–PSS) systems in aqueous medium, on the polymer backbone and its electro-catalytic activity. and micro-Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze the samples obtained by varying the conditions of the electro-polymerization processes. The I2/I− redox behaviour of various PEDOT–PSS layers has been comparatively examined in relation to the surface morphology and structural characteristics of the polymer. A response similar to that of a conventional Pt electrode has been revealed for the films produced by chronoamperometric technique. udy has demonstrated that the polymer structure plays an important role in the electro-activity, providing a possibility to improve the redox performance of PEDOT–PSS films by a proper choice of the synthesis methods. Moreover, the use of aqueous solution as a reaction medium can be welcomed as a sustainable chemistry way involving the use of environmentally friendly chemicals.