Flexible and Transparent Silver Nanowires Integrated with a Graphene Layer-Doping PEDOT:PSS Film for Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide

A flexible and transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):-polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) film was doped with a silver nanowire (AgNW)-integrated graphene (GR) layer to improve the conductivity, which enhanced the sensitivity of the chemiresistive sensor for detection of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). The sheet resistance and transmittance of AgNWs/GR and AgNWs/GR/PEDOT:PSS films remain stable during more than 25 days in a room environment. The AgNWs/GR and AgNWs/GR/PEDOT:PSS films show great flexibility that the sheet resistance remains stable after bending 1000 times. The AgNWs and PEDOT:PSS isolated by the GR film can be used repeatedly in H2S detection, which shows that the AgNW layer-doping PEDOT:PSS film has great potential ability in H2S detection. In addition, the bending test has little effect on the response of the AgNWs/GR/PEDOT:PSS film and the transmittance of AgNWs/GR/PEDOT:PSS change a little after reaction with H2S due to addition of GR. This work presents a platform to inspire AgNW layer-doping PEDOT:PSS materials for highly sensitive chemiresistive sensor.

Automated summary

By integrating AgNW and GR layers on PEDOT:PSS film, the sensitivity of the chemiresistive sensor to H2S can be enhanced while maintaining stable conductivity and transmittance. In addition, the PEDOT:PSS film with embedded AgNW layer shows great flexibility and ability for repeated use, demonstrating potential in H2S detection.