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International Journal of Bioprinting PEDOT/PSS-based sensors

Figure 2. PEDOT:PSS-based strain sensor. (A) Experimental test setup: sample assembly jig with four ohmic contact proven from the resistivity
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measurements system. (B) Image of the PEDOT:PSS ink printed on the SP-TPU substrate after annealing (at 80℃). (C) Detail of the interface between
ink and the SP-TPU substrate. (D) Atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic images of: (a) SP-TPU surface; (b) the printed SP-TPU surface with six
layers of PEDOT. The image size is 10 μm × 10 μm. (E) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of SP-TPU substrate with inkjet printed PEDOT:PSS
ink: (a, b) top and fractured cross section surface, respectively, with five layers of ink; (c, d) top and fractured cross. (F) Optical microscopy (OM) images
of the printed substrate after the cross-cut tape test: (a) remaining ink on the substrate; (b) detail of (a); (c) remaining ink on the adhesion tape. (G) Sheet
resistance measurement, according to the PEDOT:PSS printed layer thickness. (H) Typical TPU stress versus strain curve. (I) Stress–strain curves of the
SP-TPU substrate and stress–strain curves of SP-TPU substrate inkjet printed with 6 layers of PEDOT:PSS. (J) Electrical resistance versus homogeneous
strain. (K) Resistance changes with strain for printed PEDOT:PSS ink over a SP-TPU substrate. Copyright © 2023 Springer Nature. Reprinted and modified
with permission of Springer Nature.
small as 1 gram of weight. These findings underscore the mechanical deformation, as the strain can induce changes
successful application of this sensor for various scenarios in electrical properties or even lead to sensor failure. The
necessitating extensive deployment of pressure mapping significance of PEDOT:PSS in stretchable devices lies in
and force monitoring systems. its ability to maintain electrical performance even under
mechanical strain. Its inherent stretchability enables the
4.3. Stretchable sensor creation of electronic circuits, sensors, and displays that
The unique combination of electrical conductivity can be bent, stretched, or conformed to various shapes
and mechanical flexibility makes PEDOT:PSS an ideal without compromising functionality. This attribute is
candidate for stretchable sensor applications. Traditional particularly crucial for applications in wearable electronics,
sensors often encounter challenges when subjected to soft robotics, and healthcare monitoring.

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 9 doi: 10.36922/ijb.1725