Understanding local interactions in freestanding flexible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(3,4‐ethyelenedioxythiophene):poly(styrelenesulfonate) films using impedance, Raman, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract The local interaction within poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(3,4‐ethyelenedioxythiophene):poly(styrelenesulfonate) (PVDF/PEDOT:PSS) composite films has been explored in this study. Vibrational and impedance spectroscopy were used extensively to investigate the potential interactions within the moieties of PVDF and PEDOT:PSS in the composite. The increased concentration of PEDOT:PSS used as additives enhanced the dielectric constant of the composite films significantly. Both the AC conductivity and the estimated mobility also increased in the composite films with increasing additives. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy gave an insight into the local chain interactions within the polymer composite films. A shift in the C K‐edge toward higher energy confirmed the local interaction of the polymer moieties, suggesting a change in the polymer chain structure due to the possible association of moieties.

Keywords

• AC transport properties
• impedance spectroscopy
• PVDF/PEDOT:PSS composite
• Raman spectroscopy
• XAS studies