Conducting Polymer-Based Coatings and Thin Films: A Review on Film Processing and Deposition Techniques

Abstract Conducting polymers (CPs) are indispensable to modern society, providing versatile solutions for countless daily applications to special products. On the other hand, polymer coatings and thin films have become significant in fundamental research and industrialization due to ease of synthesis, mechanical flexibility, stability, multi-functionality, lightweight, wearable, and stretchable properties. Merging these materials results in a new category, “CP-based coatings and thin films” exhibiting outstanding properties. CP-based coatings/thin films possess typical characteristics of polymeric materials with unique properties of CPs, such as electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, optical transparency, mechanical flexibility, and magnetic properties. Despite the considerable demand for high-quality production, the solubility and melting restrictions of many CPs present challenges in pursuing this objective. Therefore, this review focuses primarily on deposition techniques for producing CP-based coatings/thin films. Firstly, a brief overview of surface modification methods used before depositing CPs is highlighted. Then, it expands various film deposition techniques, categorized as in-situ polymerization methods and solution processing techniques. We believe this review can create a strong driving force for future research aimed at industrializing CP-based products and achieving sustainable materials. HIGHLIGHTS An overview of surface modification methods used before depositing conducting polymers Various in-situ polymerization-based deposition techniques for insoluble conducting polymers Various solution-processing-based film-forming techniques for soluble conducting polymers Graphical abstract