Cross-Talk Immunity of PEDOT:PSS Pressure Sensing Arrays with Gold Nanoparticle Incorporation

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 25;7(1):12252. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12420-5.

Abstract

In this study, the cross-talk effects and the basic piezoresistive characteristics of gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) incorporated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) pressure sensing 2 × 2 arrays are investigated using a cross-point electrode (CPE) structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mappings were carried out to confirm the incorporation of Au-NPs in the PEDOT:PSS films. A solution mixing process was employed to incorporate the nanoparticles. When the diameter of the Au-NPs incorporated in the PEDOT:PSS films (Au-NPs/PEDOT:PSS) was 20 nm, the piezoresistive pressure sensing 2 × 2 arrays were almost immune to cross-talk effects, which enhances the pressure sensing accuracy of the array. The Au-NPs render the PEDOT:PSS films more resilient. This is confirmed by the high plastic resistance values using a nanoindenter, which reduce the interference between the active and passive cells. When the size of the Au-NPs is more than 20 nm, a significant cross-talk effect is observed in the pressure sensing arrays as a result of the high conductivity of the Au-NPs/PEDOT:PSS films with large Au-NPs. With the incorporation of optimally sized Au-NPs, the PEDOT:PSS piezoresistive pressure sensing arrays can be promising candidates for future high-resolution fingerprint identification system with multiple-electrode array structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic*
  • Dermatoglyphics
  • Electric Conductivity*
  • Gold / analysis*
  • Hydrostatic Pressure*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / analysis*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Polymers*
  • Polystyrenes*
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission

Substances

  • Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)
  • polystyrene sulfonic acid
  • Gold