Modification of the properties of polythiophene thin films by vapor chopping

Polythiophene thin films (thickness similar to 250 nm) were prepared on the glass substrates, these thin films were characterized for structural, surface morphological and optical properties. The effect of the vapor chopping on the properties of these thin films was studied. The shifting of vibration bands was observed in FTIR due to vapor chopping. A slight shift in the binding energy was also observed due to vapor chopping. Vapor chopped thin film shows more smoother surface morphology with reduced grain size (similar to 30 nm) as compared to nonchopped films (similar to 45-50 nm). The optical absorbance, band gap and refractive index decreased due to vapor chopping. The vapor chopping also reduces the water contact angle turning the films to hydrophilic. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.