Transparent and Stretchable Strain Sensors with Improved Sensitivity and Reliability Based on Ag NWs and PEDOT:PSS Patterned Microstructures

A transparent and stretchable strain sensor based on Ag nanowires (NWs) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene-sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) patterned microstructure is presented. The regular patterns are achieved by a facile replication and transfer process from near-field electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) grids on the surfaces of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. Owing to the combined advantages for the unique microstructure of sensor, strong adhesion of polymer PEDOT:PSS to underlying layer, and outstanding conductivity of long Ag NWs, the transparent strain sensor possesses the excellent aspects of high sensitivity (gauge factor = 10.2), wide sensing range (0-100%), long-term reliability for at least 2000 cycles, and distinct temperature responses. Moreover, the patterned strain sensor can be mounted on different body parts to detect a wide range of human movements and temperature responses in real time, providing multifunctional applications in human/machine interaction, electronic skins, and wearable devices.