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

Abstract 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.