Recent Advances and Progress of Conducting Polymer-Based Hydrogels in Strain Sensor Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Conducting polymer-based hydrogels (CPHs) combine electrical conductivity with hydrogel properties.
• CPHs exhibit excellent mechanical features, making them suitable for wearable applications.
• They are promising for developing advanced strain sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review CPH features, preparation technologies, and advancements in CPH-based strain sensors.
• To summarize fundamentals, working mechanisms, and design requirements for high-performance sensors.
• To discuss recent progress and future development strategies for CPH-based sensors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of distinct features and preparation technologies.
• Analysis of CPH-based strain sensors for human motion and health monitoring.
• Discussion on fundamentals, working mechanisms, and design requirements.

Main Results:

• CPHs possess unique electrical and mechanical properties for strain sensing.
• Review covers preparation methods and sensor advancements for wearable applications.
• Electronic skin (e-skin) sensors represent a significant future development.

Conclusions:

• CPHs are highly promising for wearable and stretchable strain sensors.
• Advancements in CPHs support human motion and health monitoring.
• Future research directions point towards e-skin sensors for enhanced applications.