Facile synthesis of high-aspect-ratio PEDOT tube arrays with ultra hydrophilic properties

Highly ordered poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) tube arrays with hierarchical structure and high aspect ratio were synthesized facilely by an in situ high gravity polymerization in soft Etched Tunnel Aluminum (ETA) metal templates at room temperature. The morphology, microstructure, molecluar structure and interface properties were evaluated by various techniques. The tube length, tube density, and aspect ratio can reach ∼43 μm, ∼107/cm2, and ∼30.7, respectively. The PEDOT arrays synthesized with the feasible method exhibit excellent ultra-hydrophilic properties, and the contact angle of water on the arrays is 1–2° in short spreading time of less than 3s, which is very promising for improving the elcetrochemical performance of PEDOT arrays in aqueous electrolytes.