Electrospray and Assembly of PEDOT:PSS on Silver Nanowires for Multifunctional Stretchable Electronic Membranes
Ming Li, Wei Peng, Chunfa Ye, Longqi Zhao, Jixiang Zhu, Chenhu Mei, Xiaoyan Li
Abstract
Stretchable multifunctional electronic membranes are highly favored for wearable devices. In this study, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was electrosprayed onto electrospun poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) (SEBS) triblock copolymer membranes integrated with silver nanowires (AgNWs) to create SEBS/AgNW/PEDOT electronics. Through careful control of the electrospray process, capillary forces facilitated the self-assembly of AgNWs, forming a tightly coated conductive network on the SEBS fibers, which enhances interfacial bonding and mechanoelectric stability. The SEBS/AgNW/PEDOT stretchable membrane demonstrates excellent strain-sensing capabilities, a strong Joule heating effect, and high stability. The strong interfacial interaction between AgNWs and PEDOT enhances carrier mobility, resulting in an area-specific capacitance of 52.2 mF cm –2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm –2 and good electrochemical performance even under 50% strain. The composite membranes show great potential for applications in strain sensors, flexible heaters, and supercapacitors, offering valuable insights into the development of future wearable electronic devices.