Stabilization of the conductivity of poly(3-methylthiophene) by triflimide anions

A new doping anion is proposed for electronically conducting polymers. Poly(3-methylthiophene) doped with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions exhibits a high conductivity (460 S cm−1) and a remarkable stability of the conducting state in ambient atmosphere (7% loss after 40 days). These effects are explained by the highly delocalized charge of this anion, resulting in very weak basicity and lower chemical reactivity.