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Abstract
Polythiophene (PTh) was synthesized at three varying temperatures by an oxidation method with ferric chloride as an oxidizing agent. Samples have been reported to be non-crystalline in XRD experiments. SEM images showed agglomeration of the particles in samples made at 278 K and 305 K, and loops identical to structures were found in samples made at 323K. The optical absorption (UV-Vis) studies show two bands for PTh samples synthesized at 278 K & 305 K and three bands for 323K. Temperature dependent DC conductivity was calculated and data analyzed using Mott's small polaron hopping and variable range hopping models. Activation energies for DC conduction have been established. The density of the states produced by the Mott (VRH) model fits was observed to be quite high compared to the elemental semiconductors and polymers.