Emerging Strategies for the Fabrication of Conductive Hydrogels from Conductive Polymers and Their Composites for Wearable Sensors, Energy Storage, and Biosensor Applications: Methods, Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives
Ye Zar Ni Htwe, Sylwia Pawłowska, Mariatti Jaafar
Abstract
Abstract This review presents advances in conductive polymers and their hybrid/composite‐based conductive hydrogels for the next generation of different application systems, revealing significant improvements in the fabrication process, sustainable progress, and applications. This review demonstrates how conductive polymers, conductive fillers, and crosslinkers can effectively achieve high conductivity, self‐healing, high mechanical properties, high sensitivity, and high electrochemical properties, with the lack of gaps remaining in the previous review concerning the stability of hydrogels. Initially, general information about conductive polymers and conductive hydrogels is introduced. This review subsequently discusses the fabrication process and previous studies on conductive polymer hydrogels and their electrical, mechanical, and self‐healing properties. The synthesis and fabrication methodology of conducting polymer hydrogels is highly successful in modifying the chemical and physical properties of the resulting electroactive material, hence creating new avenues for advancements in electronic applications. Furthermore, different types of conductive fillers and conductive polymers with their composites and hybrids are also discussed. Conductive hydrogel‐based applications such as wearable strain sensors, supercapacitors, and bioelectronic devices are also discussed. Finally, the review concludes by examining problems, opportunities, and future perspectives of advanced conductive polymers and their hydrogels in their applications, with the objective of delivering a thorough review of their present conditions and future possibilities in their applications.