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Flexible Composites Based on PEDOT:PSS for Environmentally Friendly Electrocardiography Electrodes
María Elena Sánchez Vergara1,2, José Miguel Rocha Flores1, Marisol Martinez-Alanis1,2
1Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Anahuac México, Av. Universidad Anáhuac 46, Col. Lomas Anáhuac, Huixquilucan 52786, Mexico.
Polymers
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Flexible, dry, and sustainable electrocardiography (ECG) electrodes were developed using a novel composite material on cellulosic substrates. These innovative wearable electrodes effectively monitor human ECG signals with clinically valid quality.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Wearable electrodes are crucial for monitoring physiological signals like electrocardiography (ECG).
- Developing flexible, dry, and sustainable electrode materials remains a key challenge in wearable technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel, flexible, dry, and sustainable ECG electrodes using an easy and scalable drop-coating method.
- To investigate the properties of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate)/polyvinyl alcohol/xanthan gum (PXP) composite, modified with MoO3 (PXPM), on cellulosic substrates for ECG monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of flexible electrodes using a drop-coating method on cellulosic substrates (Xuan paper, Kraft paper, wheat bagasse).
- Development of PXP and PXPM composites, with PXPM incorporating MoO3.
- Characterization of optical properties (absorption, fluorescence) and electrical properties (continuity, ohmic behavior).
- Microstructural analysis to understand film-substrate interactions and the role of MoO3.
Main Results:
- PXP and PXPM composites were successfully fabricated into flexible, dry electrodes on various cellulosic materials.
- PXPM exhibited a redshifted absorption band (400-750 nm) compared to PXP (350-550 nm) due to MoO3 interaction.
- Microstructural analysis showed MoO3 acts as an interfacial modifier, promoting smoother and more homogeneous coatings.
- All fabricated electrodes demonstrated the ability to detect clinically valid ECG signals.
Conclusions:
- The developed PXP and PXPM composites on cellulosic substrates offer a promising route for creating sustainable and effective wearable ECG electrodes.
- The incorporation of MoO3 enhances film uniformity and interfacial properties, crucial for reliable signal detection.
- These findings pave the way for advanced, eco-friendly wearable devices for physiological monitoring.
