Scientific importance, properties and growing applications of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)

This article summarises the industrial applications of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDT, PEDOT). The basic chemical and physical properties of PEDT are discussed to outline the fundamentals which lead to PEDT as a highly valuable electric and electronic material. PEDT applications are reviewed depending on the two different ways of preparation: in situ polymerisation of the monomer, usually carried out by the user, and applying the prefabricated polymer in the form of its water-based complex with poly(styrene sulfonic acid). Several applications like antistatic coatings, cathodes in capacitors, through-hole plating, OLED's, OFET's, photovoltaics, and electrochromic applications are discussed in detail.