Kinetically Controlled Formation of Multidimensional Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Nanostructures in Vapor-Deposition Polymerization

Abstract

We establish, for the first time, the concept that the morphology of deposited polymer nanomaterials is highly affected by substrate curvature, as well as synthetic conditions. Nanonodules and nanorods can be grown on a nanofiber surface by controlling critical kinetic factors (temperature and pressure) during vapor deposition polymerization, leading to the formation of multidimensional polymer nanostructures. On the other hand, no remarkable nanostructures were generated on bulk flat substrate under the same conditions. Multidimensional poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanofibers were fabricated successfully, and their hollow nanostructures, namely nanotubes, were also obtained by a core-etching process. It is expected that the multidimensional conducting polymer nanomaterials will have advantages when used as structures for superhydrophobic coatings, adhesion enhancement, separation, and energy conversion/storage.