Fabrication and characterization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/gold nanocomposite via in-situ redox cycle system

Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/gold (PEDOT/Au) nanocomposites were prepared using a redox cycle system. In the redox system, PEDOT films in the neutral state reacted with AuCl3 producing an oxidized PEDOT film, where metallic gold nanoparticles were collectively deposited onto the films. The redox process was repeated on the same film. More homogenous gold particles (10–20 nm) were deposited on top of the PEDOT film as the number of redox cycle was increased. XPS and SEM were used to identify the formation of gold particles. The oxidation process of neutral PEDOT in the AuCl3 solution was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. The rapid drop in the film resistance was also monitored during the deposition redox-process of the gold nanoparticles.