High-Performance Humidity Sensor for Advanced Respiratory Monitoring and Educational Applications: Flexible and Wearable Design Based on Ag/PEDOT:PSS Binary Nanocomposites

The advancement of flexible wearable humidity sensors presents significant potential for smart healthcare and monitoring of training/learning states. These devices enable real-time detection of ambient humidity and respiratory conditions, aiding in the prevention of respiratory diseases and improving accuracy in vocal and phonation training. In this study, we present a high-performance wearable humidity sensor using an Ag/PEDOT composite as the humidity-sensitive material. The Ag/PEDOT composite film's morphology and elemental composition were analyzed via SEM, HRTEM, and elemental mapping, while XPS and XRD confirmed the composite formation and molecular structure. This ultrathin sensor was fabricated on a serpentine electrode substrate using screen printing, leveraging the conductivity of silver nanoparticles and PEDOT's flexibility and humidity sensitivity. Performance evaluation revealed excellent sensitivity (219%), fast response/recovery times (2.3 s/16.2 s at 83% RH), repeatability, and stability over 30 days. These results underline the sensor's potential for low-cost, large-scale production. When combined with drive modules and intelligent recognition algorithms, the sensor shows promising applications in wearable educational devices, smart healthcare, and environmental monitoring. This work effectively contributes to technological advancements in wearable sensor applications, offering a practical approach to low-cost, scalable humidity sensing solutions.