Template‐Directed In Situ Polymerization Preparation of Nanocomposites of PEDOT:PSS‐Coated Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Enhanced Thermoelectric Property

Abstract A template‐directed in situ polymerization preparation of nanocomposites of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with greatly enhanced thermoelectric property is presented. The results reveal that monomeric 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene was successfully polymerized, enwrapping the surfaces of dispersed MWCNTs (templates) with the aid of PSS. The coated morphology was directly observed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The coated layer was further characterized by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. In addition, the interfacial interaction between PEDOT:PSS and MWCNTs was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Finally, the thermoelectric measurements show that the obtained PEDOT:PSS/MWCNT nanocomposites exhibited greatly enhanced electrical conductivities, Seebeck coefficients, and power factors when compared with those of neat PEDOT:PSS.