Networks of electron-conducting polymer in matrices of ion-conducting polymers - Applications to fast electrodes

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT-PSS), an elect ronically conductive electroactive polymer, has been blended with an ion co nducting polymer, polyethylene oxide (PEO), to increase the ionic mobility in the material. A substantial increase in the current density is observed in the cyclic voltammogram of the PEDOT-PSS, when the latter is blended wit h PEO. As supercapacitor electrodes, the blends give much higher energy den sities at high power densities compared to the pure PEDOT-PSS. This enhance ment of electrochemical properties has been ascribed to both intrinsic ioni c conductivity of the PEO, and the swelling of the latter in liquid electro lyte solution, creating space for ion movement. (C) 2000 The Electrochemica l Society. S1099-0062(99)09-002-1. All rights reserved.