A water-processable n-type polymeric ink with conductivities exceeding 1,000 S cm−1

<h2>Summary</h2> High-performance n-type conducting polymers remain scarce, with most requiring toxic and/or hazardous solvents for processing. Here, we report a water-processable poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO) ink that achieves conductivities up to 1,400 S cm<sup>−1</sup>, the highest reported for n-type conjugated polymers from green solvents. The use of long-tailed amphiphilic zwitterions to stabilize the PBFDO nanoparticles creates a hydrophobic interfacial barrier that also suppresses oxidative side reactions (de-doping) with oxygen and water, resulting in aqueous dispersions that are stable for over 160 days. This molecular-level control preserves structural order in cast films, enabling sustainable and scalable fabrication of thin films with a remarkable power factor of 184 μW m<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−2</sup>—among the largest for water-processed n-type polymers—highlighting their potential for high-performance thermoelectrics. By combining exceptional electronic performance, long-term stability, and sustainable processing, this work paves the way for environment-friendly, scalable manufacturing of next-generation organic electronic and energy-harvesting devices.

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Publication Details

Journal
Matter
Published
2026-02-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2025.102599
Primary Topic
Conducting polymers and applications
Type
article
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article

A water-processable n-type polymeric ink with conductivities exceeding 1,000 S cm−1

Liu Xianjie, Junda Huang, Junpeng Ji, C.-L. Yang et al.
Matter
Conducting polymers and applications
article

A water-processable n-type polymeric ink with conductivities exceeding 1,000 S cm−1

Liu Xianjie, Junda Huang, Junpeng Ji, C.-L. Yang, Min Gyu Kang, Han-Yan Wu, Simone Fabiano, Dace Gao, Ze-Fan Yao, Miao Xiong, Qifan Li, Tiefeng Liu, Mats Fahlman, Qingqing Wang, Han Young Woo, Sang Young Jeong
article en

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> High-performance n-type conducting polymers remain scarce, with most requiring toxic and/or hazardous solvents for processing. Here, we report a water-processable poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO) ink that achieves conductivities up to 1,400 S cm<sup>−1</sup>, the highest reported for n-type conjugated polymers from green solvents. The use of long-tailed amphiphilic zwitterions to stabilize the PBFDO nanoparticles creates a hydrophobic interfacial barrier that also suppresses oxidative side reactions (de-doping) with oxygen and water, resulting in aqueous dispersions that are stable for over 160 days. This molecular-level control preserves structural order in cast films, enabling sustainable and scalable fabrication of thin films with a remarkable power factor of 184 μW m<sup>−1</sup> K<sup>−2</sup>—among the largest for water-processed n-type polymers—highlighting their potential for high-performance thermoelectrics. By combining exceptional electronic performance, long-term stability, and sustainable processing, this work paves the way for environment-friendly, scalable manufacturing of next-generation organic electronic and energy-harvesting devices.

MatterVol. 9(3)
Linköping University (SE), Korea University (KR), Peking University (CN), Wallenberg Wood Science Center (SE), Vrinnevisjukhuset i Norrköping (SE)
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 66%
Conducting polymers and applications
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A water-processable n-type polymeric ink with conductivities exceeding 1,000 S cm−1 — Liu Xianjie, Junda Huang, et al. · Matter (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS