One-pot strategy to fabricate conductive cellulose nanocrystal-polyethylenedioxythiophene nanocomposite: Synthesis mechanism, modulated morphologies and sensor assembly

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 311; p. 120758
• Main Authors: Tang, Dongping, Abdalkarim, Somia Yassin Hussain, Dong, Yanjuan, Yu, Hou-Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2023
• Subjects: Cellulose nanocrystal; Nanocomposite; Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene); Synthesis mechanism; Cellulose nanocrystal; Nanocomposite; Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene); Synthesis mechanism
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120758

Simple preparation, good conductivity, and excellent hydrophilicity are in urgent demand due to fast growth of wearable intelligent devices. Cellulose nanocrystal-polyethylenedioxythiophene (CNC-PEDOT) nanocomposites with modulated morphology were prepared through Iron (III) p-toluenesulfonate hydrolysis of commercialized microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and in situ polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomers (EDOT) through one-pot green synthesis, where preparation and modification of CNC were obtained for uses as templates to anchor PEDOT nanoparticles. The resultant CNC-PEDOT nanocomposite gave well-dispersed PEDOT nanoparticles with sheet-like structure on the CNC surface, possessing higher conductivity and improved hydrophilicity or dispersibility. Subsequently, a wearable non-woven fabrics (NWF) sensor was successfully assembled by dipping the conductive CNC-PEDOT, and showed excellent sensing response for multiple signals (subtle deformation from various human activities and temperature). This study provides a feasible and large-scale production of CNC-PEDOT nanocomposites and their applications in wearable flexible sensors and electronic devices. [Display omitted]