Applications and Industries of Transparent Electrode Grade “Denatron”

2018/04/25

Denatron is based on PEDOT:PSS, an electrically conductive polythiophene polymer.

The conductivity of PEDOT:PSS can be adjusted by changing its polymerization conditions. Denatron, made with PEDOT:PSS that is especially conductive, is sold as a transparent electrode grade coating.

Transparent electrode grade has a surface resistivity of 10² to 10³Ω/sq. It is exceptionally transparent, easy to process, and flexible, making it suitable for use with devices with complex shapes, on elastic base materials, and even on fabrics.

Highly conductive PEDOT:PSS, such as Denatron, is generally used in applications such as those shown below.

Flexible electrodes that leverage the potential of polymer

PEDOT:PSS is an electrically conductive polymer, so it is exceptionally workable and can be used on curved surfaces. It is also hydrophilic and biocompatible, so it is safe for direct skin contact.

・Wearable sensors that detect the mild electrical currents on the skin’s surface
・Wearable sensors that detect resistance changes caused by changes in shape
・Smartphone touch sensors which can be used in bendable screens
・Transparent electrodes for light control film that can be applied to 3D surfaces

Large area electrodes that leverage the potential of coating

PEDOT:PSS can be applied using general-purpose coaters, such as roll coaters, die coaters, and slit coaters. It can be used to coat surfaces using a low temperature process, simply by allowing the solvent (alcohol or water) to dry.
It is applied using wet coating devices, so it can also be used with large area electrodes.

・Transparent electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells - can even be used on residential windows
・Transparent electrode for OLED lighting used in residential ceiling lighting

Compact electrodes leveraging its properties as an ink

PEDOT:PSS can be applied using a screen printer or pad printer to perform patterning easily and inexpensively.

・Combine with LEDs for switch sensors with distinctive designs (Touch switches)
・Print with PEDOT:PSS to inexpensively manufacture PC keyboard sensors

Use different blends to easily create advanced electrodes that offer different functions

PEDOT:PSS can formulate with functional substances to provide a wide range of functions.

・Electrolytic capacitor electrodes formulated with improving its voltage resistance
・Colored electrodes for electronic blackboards formulated with pigments for coloring

Potential applications for PEDOT:PSS are being considered in these and many other fields.