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3D Hybrid Scaffolds Based on PEDOT:PSS/MWCNT Composites

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Jayaram, Akhila K. 
Pitsalidis, Charalampos 
Tan, Ellasia 
Moysidou, Chrysanthi-Maria 
De Volder, Michael F. L. 

Abstract

Conducting polymer scaffolds combine the soft-porous structures of scaffolds with the electrical properties of conducting polymers. In most cases, such functional systems are developed by combining an insulating scaffold matrix with electrically conducting materials in a 3D hybrid network. However, issues arising from the poor electronic properties of such hybrid systems, hinder their application in many areas. This work reports on the design of a 3D electroactive scaffold, which is free of an insulating matrix. These 3D polymer constructs comprise of a water soluble conducting polymer (PEDOT:PSS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The insertion of the MWCNTs in the 3D polymer matrix directly contributes to the electron transport efficiency, resulting in a 7-fold decrease in resistivity values. The distribution of CNTs, as characterized by SEM and Raman spectroscopy, further define the micro- and nano-structural topography while providing active sites for protein attachment, thereby rendering the system suitable for biological/sensing applications. The resulting scaffolds, combine high porosity, mechanical stability and excellent conducting properties, thus can be suitable for a variety of applications ranging from tissue engineering and biomedical devices to (bio-) energy storage.

Description

Keywords

Chemistry, carbon nanotubes, conducting scaffolds, porous, PEDOT:PSS, electrode

Journal Title

Frontiers in Chemistry

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2296-2646

Volume Title

7

Publisher

Frontiers Media S.A.