Tuning thermoelectric performance by nanostructure evolution of a conducting polymer

The thermoelectric performance of a conducting polymer is conveniently and effectively tuned by nanostructure evolution. The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and power factor follow the same sequence of bulk poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) < globular nanoparticle < nanorod or ellipsoidal nanoparticle < nanotube < nanofibre. The molecular mechanismis studied by carrier mobility and concentration, the ordered structure of polymer chains, and the levels of doping and oxidation of PEDOT.