Enhancement of charge transport in PEDOT:PSS films through WS2 nanoparticle integration


Rozhkova X. Kabdiyeva А. Alekseev A. Kelgali G. Kalkenova A. Aimukhanov A. Zeinidenov A. Ilyassov B.
2026Springer

Journal of Materials Science
2026

In this work, the influence of laser-ablated tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoparticles on the morphological, optical, and electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films is systematically investigated. WS2 nanoparticles with an average diameter of ~ 36 nm were synthesized by laser ablation in liquid and incorporated into the PEDOT:PSS matrix via solution blending followed by spin coating. Atomic force microscopy revealed a concentration-dependent modification of surface morphology, with the average roughness increasing from 0.84 nm for pristine PEDOT:PSS to 1.64 nm at a WS2 content of 10%. Phase-contrast and conductive AFM measurements demonstrated that enhanced local conductivity originates predominantly from subsurface WS2 nanoparticles rather than surface protrusions, indicating their key role in the formation of efficient charge transport pathways. Optical spectroscopy showed a gradual widening of the optical band gap from 3.49 to 3.69 eV, accompanied by a reduction in Urbach energy from 0.73 to 0.53 eV, indicating decreased structural disorder and defect density upon nanoparticle incorporation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed improved macroscopic charge transport, with the charge transport resistance reduced by approximately 79% (from 15.0 kΩ to 3.21 kΩ) and the capacitance increased by more than threefold at an optimal WS2 concentration of 6%. At higher nanoparticle loadings, partial aggregation led to a deterioration of electrical performance. These results establish a clear structure–property–charge transport relationship in PEDOT:PSS/WS2 nanocomposites and demonstrate the effectiveness of laser-ablated WS2 nanoparticles in tuning the morphology and electrical characteristics of polymer thin films.



Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи

Center of Nanotechnology and Functional Nanomaterials, Buketov University, University Str., 28, Karaganda, 100028, Kazakhstan
Astana IT University, EXPO C1, Mangilik El 55/11, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan

Center of Nanotechnology and Functional Nanomaterials
Astana IT University

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026