Gas Sensing and Thermoelectric Properties of Hybrid Composite Films Based on PEDOT:PSS and SnO or SnO2 Nanostructures

In this work poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with ethylene glycol (EG) and SnO or SnO2 nanoparticles are mixed in a controlled way to create hybrid composites in form of thin films via spin coating. The potential applicability of these composites as gas sensors and as thermoelectric materials is tested, while insights are achieved in the comprehension of the underlying physical mechanisms. The addition of SnO in the composite promotes an enhancement in the chemoresistive response upon ethanol gas exposure at room temperature. Based on the Seebeck coefficient and Hall effect measurements, improvement of the power factor (PF) is achieved by the controlled addition of SnO nanoparticles in the composite. These results promise well for progress in the use of hybrid composites in these areas paving the way for future improvement in research on hybrid electronics, involving improved scalability and energy saving.

Automated summary

In this study, hybrid composites of poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with ethylene glycol (EG) and SnO or SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared as thin films via spin coating. The potential applications of these composites as gas sensors and thermoelectric materials were tested, while gaining insights into the underlying physical mechanisms. The addition of SnO in the composites enhanced the chemoresistive response to ethanol gas at room temperature. Improved power factor (PF) was achieved by the controlled addition of SnO nanoparticles in the composites, as confirmed by Seebeck coefficient and Hall effect measurements. These results suggest promising progress in the use of hybrid composites in these areas, facilitating future advancements in scalable and energy-saving hybrid electronics research.