The first example of systematic control of the work function of a conducting polymer is illustrated for PEDOT:PSS. A nanometer-thick film of TiO2 is formed on the PEDOT:PSS surface and forms an adhesion layer to bond phosphonic acids to the polymer; the work function of the PEDOT:PSS (ΦPEDOT:PSS) is adjusted by choice of phosphonic acid over a range of approximately 0.8 eV, and ΔΦPEDOT:PSS correlates strongly with the calculated gas-phase dipole moments of the phosphonates.Graphical abstract
Highlights► A nanometer thick adhesion layer can be synthesized on the surface of a conducting polymer. ► Self-assembled monolayers of phosphonates can be formed on this adhesion layer. ► The dipole moments of the phosphonates can be manipulated to control the work function of the conducting polymer. ► Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopic analysis supports Kelvin probe measurements of work function changes.
