DVS‐Crosslinked PEDOT:PSS Free‐Standing and Textile Electrodes toward Wearable Health Monitoring

Abstract Conducting polymer electrodes based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) present many advantages for biological signal recording over traditional metal electrodes and are being steadily evaluated in health monitoring applications. A main requirement for wearable electrodes based on PEDOT:PSS is that selected additives, such as crosslinking agents, avoid the redispersion of the polymer or its postprocess delamination. In this work, a novel approach is presented to fabricate water stable conducting free‐standing films and textile electrodes by using a divinyl sulfone (DVS) crosslinker. As opposed to pristine and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOPS)‐crosslinked formulations, the stability of the conducting PEDOT:PSS/DVS is achieved without reducing its conductivity or an extreme stiffening of its mechanical properties. PEDOT:PSS/DVS formulation is easily processed on any substrate and forms low surface resistance free‐standing or textiles electrodes. Electrochemical and stretchable properties of the PEDOT:PSS/DVS in air and in an aqueous environment are demonstrated and its performance in recordings of electrophysiological signals such as electrocardiography is evaluated. This three‐component material shows great potential for making wearable and humidity stable devices in healthcare applications. Furthermore, it can also be highly attractive for the development of washable electroactive textiles.