Open Access

REVIEW

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate)-Based Hydrogel Strain Sensors: Materials, Fabrication, Performance, and Applications

Gen Li^1,2, Shuhan Liu², Junhao Cheng², Ting He², Zhihong Chen^1,*, Baoyang Lu^1,2,*
1 Institute of Energy Materials and Nanotechnology, Nanchang Jiaotong Institute, Nanchang, China
2 Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Flexible Electronics Innovation Institute, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
* Corresponding Author: Zhihong Chen. Email: ; Baoyang Lu. Email:

Journal of Polymer Materials https://doi.org/10.32604/jpm.2026.079972

Received 01 February 2026; Accepted 23 April 2026; Published online 08 June 2026

Abstract

Hydrogel strain sensors are widely used in wearable electronics, human-machine interfaces, flexible electronics, owing to their ability to convert mechanical deformation into electrical signals. This function requires sensor materials to possess both high compliance and electrical conductivity. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has emerged as an ideal candidate for hydrogel strain sensors due to its soft and flexible mechanical properties, tunable mechanical performance, mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, and excellent processability. Although extensive research has been conducted on PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel strain sensors, there is currently no systematic review that elucidates the translation pathway from high-performance materials design and advanced fabrication processes to diverse application scenarios. This review systematically examines the current state of development of PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel strain sensors, following a logical progression from material design and fabrication processes to performance optimization and applications. It is expected to accelerate the development of PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel strain sensors and expand their application space into a wider variety of fields.

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Keywords

Conducting polymer hydrogels; PEDOT:PSS; strain sensors; flexible electronics; wearable devices

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