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Over the last years, a wide variety of nanomaterials have been utilised for the design of highly efficient sensors to detect ammonia (NH3) accurately. Discovery of graphene has dramatically accelerated studies on fabrication of inexpensive electrode materials due to its unique features such as high specific surface area, high carrier mobility, high electrical conductivity, flexibility and optical transparency. Graphene and its derivatives can be readily combined with a variety of inorganic-based nanoparticles such as noble metals, metal oxides and semiconducting, as well as conducting polymers to develop NH3 sensor with excellent sensitivity and very low detection limit. This paper overviews graphene nanocomposite gas sensors as emerging NH3 sensing platforms for the detection of a wide range of NH3 concentration with improved sensitivity, selectivity and a low response and recovery times. Various sensing mechanisms of functionalised graphene nanocomposite gas sensors are explained and compared. Possible opportunities and perspective applications of the graphene NH3 sensors are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries display attractive potential in large‐scale energy‐storage, but their practical application was still restricted by the serious dissolution of polysulfides. Herein, supported by the constructing of interface engineering, the metal sulfide‐carbon nanocomposite can be prepared with considerable electrochemical properties. Utilizing the double‐helix structure of carrageenan‐metal hydrogels as precursors, in‐situ metal sulfide (MxSy) nanostructure/3D carbon aerogels (3D CAs) can be successfully constructed. Importantly, with the assistance of the vulcanization process, 3D carbon architecture was maintained in the composites and acted as a skeleton to optimize their structural stability. As the cathode of RT‐Na/S batteries, ZnS/S@C and NiS2/S@C delivered an excellent cycling stability and rate performance (179.8 mAh·g−1 at 20 A·g−1 after 10000 cycling for ZnS/S@C, 220.3 mAh·g−1 at 10 A·g−1 after 3000 cycling for NiS2/S@C). The detailed investigation of mechanism revealed that the powerful adsorption for Na2S4 originated from 3D metal sulfide‐carbon structure. The well‐designed architecture of sulfide‐carbon composites servers as an electrocatalyst to alleviate the shuttle effect of polysulfides, resulting in the long‐term electrochemical stability. Given this, the work is expected to provide promising insights for designing advanced cathode materials for RT‐Na/S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries display attractive potential in large‐scale energy‐storage, but their practical application was still restricted by the serious dissolution of polysulfides. Herein, supported by the constructing of interface engineering, the metal sulfide‐carbon nanocomposite can be prepared with considerable electrochemical properties. Utilizing the double‐helix structure of carrageenan‐metal hydrogels as precursors, in‐situ metal sulfide (MxSy) nanostructure/3D carbon aerogels (3D CAs) can be successfully constructed. Importantly, with the assistance of the vulcanization process, 3D carbon architecture was maintained in the composites and acted as a skeleton to optimize their structural stability. As the cathode of RT‐Na/S batteries, ZnS/S@C and NiS2/S@C delivered an excellent cycling stability and rate performance (179.8 mAh·g−1 at 20 A·g−1 after 10000 cycling for ZnS/S@C, 220.3 mAh·g−1 at 10 A·g−1 after 3000 cycling for NiS2/S@C). The detailed investigation of mechanism revealed that the powerful adsorption for Na2S4 originated from 3D metal sulfide‐carbon structure. The well‐designed architecture of sulfide‐carbon composites servers as an electrocatalyst to alleviate the shuttle effect of polysulfides, resulting in the long‐term electrochemical stability. Given this, the work is expected to provide promising insights for designing advanced cathode materials for RT‐Na/S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal coordination polymers (TM‐CP) are promising inexpensive and flexible electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in water electrolysis, while their facile synthesis and controllable regulation remain challenging. Here we report an anodic oxidation‐electrodeposition strategy for the growth of TM‐CP (TM=Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn; CP=polyaniline, polypyrrole) films on a variety of metal substrates that act as both catalyst supports and metal ion sources. An exemplified bimetallic NiFe‐polypyrrole (NiFe‐PPy) features superior mechanical stability in friction and exhibits high activity with long‐term durability in alkaline seawater (over 2000 h) and anion exchange membrane electrolyzer devices at current density of 500 mA cm−2. Spectroscopic and microscopic analysis unravels the configurations with atomically distributed metal sites induced by d‐π conjugation, which transforms into a mosaic structure with NiFe (oxy)hydroxides embedded in PPy matrix during oxygen evolution. The superior catalytic performance is ascribed to the anchoring effect of PPy that inhibits metal dissolution, the strong substrate‐to‐catalyst interaction that ensures good adhesion, and the Fe/Ni−N coordination that modulates the electronic structures to facilitate the deprotonation of *OOH intermediate. This work provides a general strategy and mechanistic insight into building robust inorganic/polymer composite electrodes for oxygen electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study has developed two hemi‐isoindigo (HID)‐based polymers for printed flexible resistor‐type nitrogen oxide (NO2) sensors: poly[2‐ethylhexyl 3‐((3′",4′‐bis(dodecyloxy)‐3,4‐dimethoxy‐[2,2′:5′,2′"‐terthiophen]‐5‐yl)methylene)‐2‐oxoindoline‐1‐carboxylate] (P1) and poly[2‐ethylhexyl 2‐oxo‐3‐((3,3′",4,4′‐tetrakis(dodecyloxy)‐[2,2′:5′,2′"‐terthiophen]‐5‐yl)methylene)indoline‐1‐carboxylate] (P2). These polymers feature thermally removable carbamate side chains on the HID units, providing solubility and creating molecular cavities after thermal annealing. These cavities enhance NO2 diffusion, and the liberated unsubstituted amide ─C(═O)NH─ groups readily form robust double hydrogen bonds (DHB), as demonstrated by computer simulations. Furthermore, both polymers possess elevated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of −4.74 and −4.77 eV, making them highly susceptible to p‐doping by NO2. Gas sensors fabricated from P1 and P2 films, anneal under optimized conditions to partially remove carbamate side chains, exhibit remarkable sensitivities of +1400% ppm−1 and +3844% ppm−1, and low detection limit (LOD) values of 514 ppb and 38.9 ppb toward NO2, respectively. These sensors also demonstrate excellent selectivity for NO2 over other gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐photon Polymerization (2PP) process for high‐resolution 3D printing presents an opportunity to design micro‐scale structures with a high surface‐to‐volume ratio for highly responsive devices. However, these acrylate or thiol‐based resins are electrically insulating and non‐functional in nature, therefore limiting their widespread application in biosensing and biotechnology. Here, a novel conductive polymeric composite resin to print conductive 3D micro‐structures via the 2PP technique is developed and its application in sensing are demonstrated. The composite consists of acrylate‐based 2PP resin and Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), a conductive and biocompatible organic semiconductor The PEDOT:PSS incorporation in resin through Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is studied. An electrical conductivity of 3.5 × 102 S cm−1 in a 20 µm long and 10 µm high 3D printed micro‐structure which is suitable for electronic applications is achieved. An ultra‐fast micro‐3D printed humidity sensor with a response and recovery time of 0.15 and 0.3 s respectively is demonstrated. The printed sensors show high sensitivity in humidity levels of 0–80%RH. As a proof of concept, the real‐time respiration of a human body is recorded, implying a potential application in health monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for multifunctional optoelectronic devices rises, the integration of electrochromic and energy storage functionalities represents a cutting‐edge pursuit in the electrochromic devices domain. The realm of conductive polymer‐based electrochromic energy storage devices (EESDs) stands as a vibrant area marked by ongoing research and development. Despite a plethora of individual research articles exploring various facets within this domain, there exists a conspicuous dearth of comprehensive reviews systematically scrutinizing the advancements, challenges, and potentials intrinsic to these systems. To fill this void, this review systematically outlines the latest progressions in EESDs centered on conductive conjugated polymers (CPs). The review commences with a thorough exploration of the foundational principles underpinning EESDs, encompassing their operational mechanisms, device configurations, and representative key performance indicators. Furthermore, the review categorizes diverse conductive polymers, shedding light on the latest advancements in EESD research utilizing these specific CP variants. This in‐depth analysis centers on their collaborative role in shaping electrochromic energy storage devices. Overall, this review is poised to captivate the interest of researchers toward state‐of‐the‐art CP‐based EESDs, establishing these pioneering technologies as pivotal contenders in defining the forthcoming landscape of wearable electronics, portable devices, and advanced energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric (TE) materials are capable of realizing the direct conversion between heat and electricity, holding a giant prospect in the sustainable development of modern society. Conductive polymers (CPs) are suitable for the preparation of TE materials given their low-cost, lightweight, flexible, and easy processing properties. With the accelerating pace of flexible composite development, there is intensive interest in their emerging applications in various aspects such as wearable electronics and thermoelectric sensors. In order to further improve the thermoelectric properties, a series of new methods have been proposed to prepare conductive polymer-based thermoelectric composites and improve their thermoelectric properties. In this review, we discuss the compositing methods, properties, and applications of conductive polymer-based TE composites. The challenges and future development directions in the design and application of conductive polymer matrix composites are also pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-armed poly(styrene sulfonate) derivatives (PSS-T) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and used as dopants for the preparation of star-shaped PEDOT:PSS-T composites. From their loosed packing structure, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was well doped into the PEDOT:PSS-T composites resulted in improved dispersion properties and enhanced electrical performance. The cyclic stability of supercapacitors using PEDOT:PSS-T/rGO composites showed 95.5% capacitance retention after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles which is superior than its devices using of commercial PEDOT:PSS/rGO composites. The structure of star-shaped PEDOT:PSS-T composite and its excellent capacitance stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymers (CPs) are widely studied for their ability to influence a myriad of tissue systems. While their mixed ionic/electronic conductivity is commonly considered the primary driver of these benefits, the mechanisms by which CPs influence cell fate remain unclear. In this study, CP‐biomaterial interactions are investigated using collagen, due to its widespread prevalence throughout the body and in tissue engineering constructs. Collagen is functionalized with both electrostatically and covalently bound derivatives of the CP poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped via backbone‐tethered sulfonate groups, which enable high solubility and loading to the collagen biomatrix. Intrinsically doped scaffolds are compared to those incorporated with a commercially available PEDOT formulation, which is complexed with polyanionic polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). Low loadings of intrinsically doped PEDOT do not increase substrate conductivity compared to collagen alone, enabling separate investigation into CP loading and conductivity. Interestingly, higher PEDOT loading bolsters human mesenchymal stromal (hMSC) cell gene expression of Oct‐4 and NANOG, which are key transcription factors regulating cell stemness. Conductive collagen composites with commercial PEDOT:PSS do not significantly affect the expression of these transcription factors in hMSCs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that PEDOT regulates cellular fate independently from physical changes to the material but directly to the loading of the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofilms, comprised of cells embedded in extracellular matrix (ECM), enable bacterial surface colonization and contribute to pathogenesis and biofouling. Yet, antibacterial surfaces are mainly evaluated for their effect on bacterial cells rather than the ECM. Here, a method is presented to separately quantify amounts and distribution of cells and ECM in Salmonella biofilms grown on electroactive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Within a custom‐designed biofilm reactor, biofilm forms on PEDOT:PSS surfaces electrically addressed with a bias potential and simultaneous recording of the resulting current. The amount and distribution of cells and ECM in biofilms are analyzed using a fluorescence‐based spectroscopic mapping technique and fluorescence confocal microscopy combined with advanced image processing. The study shows that surface charge leads to upregulated ECM production, leaving the cell counts largely unaffected. An altered texture is also observed, with biofilms forming small foci or more continuous structures. Supported by mutants lacking ECM production, ECM is identified as an important target when developing antibacterial strategies. Also, a central role for biofilm distribution is highlighted that likely influences antimicrobial susceptibility in biofilms. This work provides yet a link between conductive polymer materials and bacterial metabolism and reveals for the first time a specific effect of electrochemical addressing on bacterial ECM formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have been growing potentially because of their applications in wearable biological applications and electrochemical sensors. These devices require efficient electronic transport and easy ion injection materials to sustain high capacity. OECTs of different channel dimensions and gate materials have been fabricated. The present study discusses how are the different employed electrolytes, channel dimensions, and gate materials affect transfer characteristics and transconductance (gm) and how unhydrated electrolytes like ionic liquid (IL) and solid gel decrease current modulation. In addition, we address how the nature of electrolytes plays a crucial role in determining OECTs regime of operations either capacitive or faradic. Also, the coupling product between the electron mobility and volumetric charge storage capacity (µC*) under different channel dimensions was found to be a key factor in designing and selecting organic mixed conductors for better steady-state OECTs performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing global demand for net-zero carbon emissions, actions to address climate change have gained momentum among policymakers and the public. The urgent need for a sustainable economy is underscored by the mounting waste crisis in landfills and oceans. However, the proliferation of distributed electronic devices poses a significant challenge due to the resulting electronic waste. To combat this issue, the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for these devices is imperative. Cellulose, an abundant and CO2-neutral substance with a long history of diverse applications, holds great potential. By integrating electrically interactive components with cellulosic materials, innovative biobased composites have been created, enabling the fabrication of bulk electroactive paper and the establishment of new, potentially more sustainable manufacturing processes for electronic devices. This review explores recent advances in bulk electroactive paper, including the fundamental interactions between its constituents, manufacturing techniques, and large-scale applications in the field of electronics. Furthermore, it addresses the importance and challenges of scaling up production of electroactive paper, highlighting the need for further research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid developments in organic electronics demand highly conductive and freestanding (PEDOT:PSS) films. However, the synthesis of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS films requires toxic reagents, such as high‐concentration acids and bases. Herein, an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective strategy is reported for improving the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films through the confinement of ice crystals. The crystallization of water swelled by the film facilitated the phase separation of PEDOT and PSS, and the excess PSS in the skin layer is effectively removed. Moreover, under the confinement effect, the carrier mobility of the film is enhanced through the formation of a well‐crystallized PEDOT molecular morphology. A detailed elucidation of aggregate structure evolution in PEDOT:PSS films during annealing, solvent post‐treatment, and subsequent confined crystallization is presented herein. After multiple water crystallization cycles, the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS film increased by over 85%, achieving a maximum of 2564 ± 142 S cm−1. Finally, compared to post‐treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the current strategy can improve the Seebeck coefficient by 5.6% and the power factor by 139%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Chiral two-dimensional (2D) conductive polymers, encompassing chiral, 2D, flexible, and conductive properties, constitute a novel class of material that remains largely unexplored. The infusion of chirality into 2D conductive polymers taps into the unique characteristics associated with chirality, presenting opportunities to enhance or tailor the electronic, optical, and structural properties of materials for specific technological applications. In this study, we synthesized a chiral 2D PEDOT:PMo 11 V nanofilm through interfacial polymerization, effectively integrating a chiral monolayer, conductive polymer, and inorganic cluster. The inclusion of inorganic cluster serves to enhance the conductivity of the resulting chiral nanofilm. Furthermore, we demonstrated the chiral nanofilm as a capable electrochemical sensor for detecting drug enantiomers. The inherent flexibility of the chiral nanofilm also lays the groundwork for the development of chiral flexible/wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalysts can optimize the sulfur/sulfide reaction kinetics in Li–S batteries to compete with the loss of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) caused by the shuttling effect. However, the design rationale of electrocatalysts to drive roundtrip sulfur/sulfide conversion is lacking. Here, pairing Lewis acidic and Lewis basic active sites to reach collective adsorption of LiPSs and simultaneous activation of electrophiles and nucleophiles in LiPSs is proposed. This concept is validated by doping polyaniline with protonated metatungstate anions, which enables reduced activation energies for both sulfur reduction reaction and sulfide oxidation reaction and results in significantly improved kinetics. Such electrocatalysts enable a Li–S battery to reach a low capacity‐decay rate of 0.029% per cycle for 1000 cycles. This work would offer insights into battery technologies where sulfur electrocatalysis will play pivotal roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical sensors play a pivotal role in various fields, such as biomedicine and environmental detection, due to their exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, stability, rapid response time, user-friendly operation, and ease of miniaturization and integration. In addition to the research conducted in the application field, significant focus is placed on the selection and optimization of electrode interface materials for electrochemical sensors. The detection performance of these sensors can be significantly enhanced by modifying the interface of either inorganic metal electrodes or printed electrodes. Among numerous available modification materials, conductive polymers (CPs) possess not only excellent conductivity exhibited by inorganic conductors but also unique three-dimensional structural characteristics inherent to polymers. This distinctive combination allows CPs to increase active sites during the detection process while providing channels for rapid ion transmission and facilitating efficient electron transfer during reaction processes. This review article primarily highlights recent research progress concerning CPs as an ideal choice for modifying electrochemical sensors owing to their remarkable features that make them well-suited for biomedical and environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional inkjet printing is an emerging manufacturing technology for the production of various planar elements and electronic devices. This technology offers affordable freeform and highly customizable production of thin film micron-scale elements on various substrates. Functional inkjet printing employs various inks based on organic and inorganic materials with diverse functional properties, and among them, conjugated polymers are of particular interest due to their electrical, photophysical, and electrochemical properties. This paper provides an overview of inkjet printing with conjugated (semi)conductive polymers, including the fundamentals of the technology and its scope, limitations, and main challenges. Specific attention is drawn to the synthesis and chemistry of these polymers in connection with the patterning and functional properties of the inks composed thereof. Practical aspects of this technology are also highlighted, namely the manufacturing capabilities of the technology and particular applications for the fabrication of various electronic elements and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled release systems have gained considerable attention owing to their potential to deliver molecules, including ions and drugs, in a customized manner. We present a light‐induced ion‐transfer platform consisting of a dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs, ~300 nm) with the conductive polymer poly(3‐octylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (POT) in the core and a potassium (K+)‐selective membrane in the shell. Owing to the photoactive nature of POT, POT NPs can be used for a dual purpose: as a host for positively charged species and as an actuator to trigger the subsequent release. POT0 and doped POT+ coexist in the core, allowing K+ encapsulation in the shell. As POT0 is photo‐oxidized to POT+, K+ is released to the (aqueous) dispersion phase to preserve the neutrality of the NPs. This process is reversible and can be simultaneously assessed using the native fluorescence of POT0 and via potentiometric measurements. The NP structure and its mechanism of action were thoroughly studied with a series of control experiments and complementary techniques. Understanding the NP and its surrounding interactions will pave the way for other nanostructured systems, facilitating sophisticated applications. The delivery of ionic drugs and interference/pollutant catching for advanced sensing/restoration will be considered in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-doped polyaniline (Cu–PA) was prepared by chemical oxidation aniline in the presence of Cu ions. By cyclic voltammetry (CV), the electrochemical behavior of glassy carbon electrode modified with Cu–PA was studied in NaOH solution. Since the hydrolysis of glucose occurs in an alkaline solution and the redox peak of Cu–PA depends on the concentration of OH– concentration, here, a new and cost-effective strategy for the non-enzymatic determination of glucose was proposed based on the inhibitory effect of glucose on the electrical activity of the Cu–PA composite. The cathodic current decreased directly after the addition of glucose and demonstrated that the Cu–PA was sensitive to glucose in an alkaline medium. Using linear sweep voltammetry and under optimal condition, the sensor exhibited a linear calibration graph in the concentration range of 0.11–1.66 mM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.044 mM (S/N = 3). In addition, the sensor showed desirably accurate selectivity for detecting and recovering glucose in humans serum samples, good reproducibility, and good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a route to produce highly electrically conductive doped hydroxymethyl functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films, termed PEDOT(OH) with metal-like charge transport properties using a fully solution processable precursor polymer is reported. This is achieved via an ester-functionalized PEDOT derivative [PEDOT(EHE)] that is soluble in a range of solvents with excellent film-forming ability. PEDOT(EHE) demonstrates moderate electrical conductivities of 20-60 S cm-1 and hopping-like (i.e., thermally activated) transport when doped with ferric tosylate (FeTos3 ). Upon basic hydrolysis of PEDOT(EHE) films, the electrically insulative side chains are cleaved and washed from the polymer film, leaving a densified film of PEDOT(OH). These films, when optimally doped, reach electrical conductivities of ≈1200 S cm-1 and demonstrate metal-like (i.e., thermally deactivated and band-like) transport properties and high stability at comparable doping levels.

Neuromorphic computing offers the opportunity to curtail the huge energy demands of modern artificial intelligence (AI) applications by implementing computations into new, brain‐inspired computing architectures. However, the lack of fabrication processes able to integrate several computing units into monolithic systems and the need for new, hardware‐tailored training algorithms still limit the scope of application and performance of neuromorphic hardware. Recent advancements in the field of organic transistors present new opportunities for neuromorphic systems and smart sensing applications, thanks to their unique properties such as neuromorphic behavior, low‐voltage operation, and mixed ionic‐electronic conductivity. Organic neuromorphic transistors push the boundaries of energy efficient brain‐inspired hardware AI, facilitating decentralized on‐chip learning and serving as a foundation for the advancement of closed‐loop intelligent systems in the next generation. The biocompatibility and dual ionic‐electronic conductivity of organic materials introduce new prospects for biointegration and bioelectronics. Their ability to sense and regulate biosystems, as well as their neuro‐inspired functions can be combined with neuromorphic computing to create the next‐generation of bioelectronics. These systems will be able to seamlessly interact with biological systems and locally compute biosignals in a relevant matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study focuses on the surface engineering of binder‐free anodes composed of Bi, Se, Cu, and carbon nanotubes to enhance lithium‐ion batteries. The anodes synthesized in this study showed promising electrochemical properties. However, issues with cycle stability, operational speed, and solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation affected their overall performance. To address these challenges, the study applied different conductive polymers, namely PEO, CMC, and PEGDA‐co‐VC, to form artificial SEI layers. The application of these polymers altered the stability and efficiency of the electrodes, with the PEGDA‐co‐VC‐coated electrodes demonstrating significant stability and consistent capacity over numerous cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Conductive polymers (CPs) are widely studied for their ability to influence a myriad of tissue systems. While their mixed ionic/electronic conductivity is commonly considered the primary driver of these benefits, the mechanisms by which CPs influence cell fate remain unclear. In this study, CP‐biomaterial interactions are investigated using collagen, due to its widespread prevalence throughout the body and in tissue engineering constructs. Collagen is functionalized with both electrostatically and covalently bound derivatives of the CP poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped via backbone‐tethered sulfonate groups, which enable high solubility and loading to the collagen biomatrix. Intrinsically doped scaffolds are compared to those incorporated with a commercially available PEDOT formulation, which is complexed with polyanionic polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). Low loadings of intrinsically doped PEDOT do not increase substrate conductivity compared to collagen alone, enabling separate investigation into CP loading and conductivity. Interestingly, higher PEDOT loading bolsters human mesenchymal stromal (hMSC) cell gene expression of Oct‐4 and NANOG, which are key transcription factors regulating cell stemness. Conductive collagen composites with commercial PEDOT:PSS do not significantly affect the expression of these transcription factors in hMSCs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that PEDOT regulates cellular fate independently from physical changes to the material but directly to the loading of the polymer.

Abstract Biofilms, comprised of cells embedded in extracellular matrix (ECM), enable bacterial surface colonization and contribute to pathogenesis and biofouling. Yet, antibacterial surfaces are mainly evaluated for their effect on bacterial cells rather than the ECM. Here, a method is presented to separately quantify amounts and distribution of cells and ECM in Salmonella biofilms grown on electroactive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Within a custom‐designed biofilm reactor, biofilm forms on PEDOT:PSS surfaces electrically addressed with a bias potential and simultaneous recording of the resulting current. The amount and distribution of cells and ECM in biofilms are analyzed using a fluorescence‐based spectroscopic mapping technique and fluorescence confocal microscopy combined with advanced image processing. The study shows that surface charge leads to upregulated ECM production, leaving the cell counts largely unaffected. An altered texture is also observed, with biofilms forming small foci or more continuous structures. Supported by mutants lacking ECM production, ECM is identified as an important target when developing antibacterial strategies. Also, a central role for biofilm distribution is highlighted that likely influences antimicrobial susceptibility in biofilms. This work provides yet a link between conductive polymer materials and bacterial metabolism and reveals for the first time a specific effect of electrochemical addressing on bacterial ECM formation.

The development of a nonprecious, stable, and highly effective electrocatalyst for decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen is vitally important for sustainable energy conversion, but it still remains challenging to replace the noble metal electrocatalysts with more economically viable alternatives. Herein, a polyaniline (PANI) decorated hierarchical nickel cobalt thiospinel (NiCo2S4) hybrid catalyst (NCS-P) has been developed that shows enhanced dual catalytic activity for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to pristine NiCo2S4 (NCS). Benefiting from the conductive PANI coating, the hierarchical NCS-P nanostructure exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity in alkaline solution with low overpotentials of 273 ± 3 and 77 ± 4 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slopes of 42.2 and 68.5 mV dec−1 for OER and HER, respectively, which are better than those of the benchmark noble-metal-based RuO2 and Pt/C.

Flexible sensors based on polymer materials have the potential to enable non-invasive health monitoring and exercise tracking. This review summarizes recent progress in developing flexible sensing platforms for healthcare and fitness applications. Key materials like conductive polymers and elastomeric substrates provide the basis for flexible strain, pressure, chemical and gas sensors. Advances in manufacturing techniques such as printing and photolithography have enabled the scalable fabrication of polymer-based sensor arrays. Flexible chemical sensors for sweat and breath analysis show promise for non-invasive diagnostics. Strain sensors integrated into wearables and textiles can map body motions during exercise. Challenges remain in improving sensor sensitivity, selectivity and long-term stability. However, polymer-based flexible sensors offer advantages like conformability, biocompatibility and low cost that make them well-suited for disposable and skin-mounted devices. With further refinements in materials, manufacturing and data analytics, flexible sensors have the potential to transform point-of-care health monitoring, nutrition guidance, fitness training and chronic disease management.

Thermoelectric (TE) materials are capable of realizing the direct conversion between heat and electricity, holding a giant prospect in the sustainable development of modern society. Conductive polymers (CPs) are suitable for the preparation of TE materials given their low-cost, lightweight, flexible, and easy processing properties. With the accelerating pace of flexible composite development, there is intensive interest in their emerging applications in various aspects such as wearable electronics and thermoelectric sensors. In order to further improve the thermoelectric properties, a series of new methods have been proposed to prepare conductive polymer-based thermoelectric composites and improve their thermoelectric properties. In this review, we discuss the compositing methods, properties, and applications of conductive polymer-based TE composites. The challenges and future development directions in the design and application of conductive polymer matrix composites are also pointed out.

Stretchable transparent electrodes (STEs) have garnered considerable attention as a fundamental architectural component in the realm of conformable and wearable electronics. This study presents a novel approach utilizing composite inks based on silver nanowires to fabricate STEs, with the incorporation of a conductive polymer as the leveling agent and polyvinyl alcohol as the bonding agent. The resulting STE demonstrates several desirable properties, including low sheet resistance (15.6 Ω sq−1) and surface roughness facilitated by poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate. Moreover, the STE demonstrates strong adhesive strength to various plastic substrates, high transparency (>80%), and remarkable stretchability of up to 100%. Notably, the STE exhibits exceptional thermal stability under thermal stress at 200 °C for extended durations of up to 300 min. As a result, flexible organic solar cells employing this composite STE achieve outstanding performance in terms of high efficiency, robust mechanical durability, and remarkable thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: All‐solution‐processed organic solar cells (OSCs) (from the bottom electrode to the top electrode) are highly attractive thanks to their low cost, lightweight and high‐throughput production. However, achieving highly efficient all‐solution‐processed OSCs remains a significant challenge. One of the key issues is the lack of high‐quality solution‐processed electrode systems that can replace indium tin oxide (ITO) and vacuum‐deposited metal electrodes. In this paper, we comprehensively review recent advances in all‐solution‐processed OSCs, and classified the devices as the top electrode materials, including silver nanowires (AgNWs), conducting polymers and composite conducting materials. The correlation between electrode materials, properties of electrodes, and device performance in all‐solution‐processed OSCs is elucidated. In addition, the critical roles of the active layer and interface layer are also discussed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of all‐solution‐processed OSCs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical sensors have emerged as a promising technology for real‐time healthcare monitoring, which tracks various physical signals from the human body. Accurate acquisition of these physical signals from biological tissue requires excellent electrical conductivity and long‐term durability of the sensors under complex mechanical deformation. Conductive polymers, combining the advantages of conventional polymers and organic conductors, are considered ideal conductive materials for healthcare physical sensors due to their intrinsic conductive network, tunable mechanical properties, and easy processing. Doping engineering has been proposed as an effective approach to enhance the sensitivity, lower the detection limit, and widen the operational range of sensors based on conductive polymers. This approach enables the introduction of dopants into conductive polymers to adjust and control the microstructure and energy levels of conductive polymers, thereby optimizing their mechanical and conductivity properties. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of doping engineering methods to improve the physical properties of conductive polymers and highlights their applications in the field of healthcare physical sensors, including temperature sensors, strain sensors, stress sensors, and electrophysiological sensing. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities associated with conductive polymer‐based physical sensors in healthcare monitoring are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge in energy depletion and environmental pollution urgently demands green and sustainable materials as a new material application platform. Nanocellulose (NC) derived from abundant and renewable resources has been considered as a versatile and sustainable substrate and scaffold to engage various applications. Recently, design and fabricate conductive polymers (CPs)/NC composites as functional electronic devices have received tremendous attention. In this mini review, we start with a brief introduction about the category of nanocellulose, CPs and the preparation strategy of CPs/NC conducive composites followed by discussing the factors that determine the electrical conductivity. Then, we reviewed different CPs/NC composites systems and cited representative electronic application examples including sensors, supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries. Finally, we proposed current challenges, existing problems and further perspectives and opportunities of CPs/NC conductive composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible sensors based on polymer materials have the potential to enable non-invasive health monitoring and exercise tracking. This review summarizes recent progress in developing flexible sensing platforms for healthcare and fitness applications. Key materials like conductive polymers and elastomeric substrates provide the basis for flexible strain, pressure, chemical and gas sensors. Advances in manufacturing techniques such as printing and photolithography have enabled the scalable fabrication of polymer-based sensor arrays. Flexible chemical sensors for sweat and breath analysis show promise for non-invasive diagnostics. Strain sensors integrated into wearables and textiles can map body motions during exercise. Challenges remain in improving sensor sensitivity, selectivity and long-term stability. However, polymer-based flexible sensors offer advantages like conformability, biocompatibility and low cost that make them well-suited for disposable and skin-mounted devices. With further refinements in materials, manufacturing and data analytics, flexible sensors have the potential to transform point-of-care health monitoring, nutrition guidance, fitness training and chronic disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When impaired bones are grafted with bone scaffolds, the behaviors of osteoblast are dependent on the implant materials and surface morphology. To this end, we modulated the surface morphology of scaffolds that promote cell growth. In this study, ice-template and spraying method methods are employed to coat different proportions of PDA and PPy over the PLA/PVA weaving scaffolds, after which HA is Coated over via the electrochemical deposition, forming weaving scaffolds with electrically conductive PDA/PPy/HA coating. The test results indicate that with a PPy/PDA concentration ratio is 30, the PPy particles are more uniformly distributed on the fiber surface. The scaffolds are wrapped in a HA coating layer with a high purity, and calcium and phosphorus elements are evenly dispersed with a Ca/P ratio being 1.69. Owing to the synergistic effect between PDA and PPy coating, the scaffolds demonstrate excellent electrochemical stability and electrochemical activity. The biological activity of the scaffold increased to 274.66% under electrical stimulation. The new thinking proposed by this study extends the worth of applying textile structure to the medical field, the application of which highly increases the prospect of bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The delivery of electrical pulses to the brain via penetrating electrodes, known as brain stimulation, has been recognized as an effective clinical approach for treating neurological disorders. Resident brain neural precursor cells (NPCs) are electrosensitive cells that respond to electrical stimulation by expanding in number, migrating and differentiating which are important characteristics that support neural repair. Here, we report the design of a conductive cryogel brain stimulation electrode specifically developed for NPC activation. The cryogel electrode has a modulus switching mechanism permitting facile penetration and reducing the mechanical mismatch between brain tissue and the penetrating electrode. The cryogel demonstrated good in vivo biocompatibility and reduced the interfacial impedance to deliver the stimulating electric field with lower voltage under charge-balanced current controlled stimulation. An ex vivo assay reveals that electrical stimulation using the cryogel electrodes results in significant expansion in the size of NPC pool. Hence, the cryogel electrodes have the potential to be used for NPC activation to support endogenous neural repair. The objective of this study is to develop a cryogel-based stimulation electrode as an alternative to traditional electrode materials to be used in regenerative medicine applications for enhancing neural regeneration in brain. The electrode offers benefits such as adaptive modulus for implantation, high charge storage and injection capacities, and modulus matching with brain tissue, allowing for stable delivery of electric field for long-term neuromodulation. The electrochemical properties of cryogel electrodes were characterized in living tissue with an ex vivo set-up, providing a deeper understanding of stimulation capacity in brain environments. The cryogel electrode is biocompatible and enables low voltage, current-controlled stimulation for effective activation of endogenous neural precursor cells, revealing their potential utility in neural stem cell-mediated brain repair. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn‐based hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs) have received increasing attention in recent research, due to their high electrochemical performance and low cost. Herein, a composite cathode is developed based on polyaniline (PANI) and cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF), exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. The results showed that PANI is coated on CoHCF, thereby enhancing the electrical conductivity and Zn2+ transport kinetics. As a result, the as‐prepared materials demonstrate remarkable specific capacitance (741.7 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1), good cycling durability (86.15% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1), high peak energy density (312 Wh kg−1 at 500 W kg−1), and superior power density (75 294 W kg−1 at 25 Wh kg−1). The excellent electrochemical performance confirms that PANI–CoHCF composites are promising cathode candidates for ZHSCs in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, are considered a significant global burden and the leading cause of death. Given the inability of damaged cardiac tissue to self‐repair, cell‐based tissue engineering and regeneration may be the only viable option for restoring normal heart function. To maintain the normal excitation‐contraction coupling function of cardiac tissue, uniform electronic and ionic conductance properties are required. To transport cells to damaged cardiac tissues, several techniques, including the incorporation of cells into conductive polymers (CPs) and biomaterials, have been utilized. Due to the complexity of cardiac tissues, the success of tissue engineering for the damaged heart is highly dependent on several variables, such as the cell source, growth factors, and scaffolds. In this review, we sought to provide a comprehensive overview of the electro CPs and biomaterials used in the engineering and regeneration of heart tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical sensors play a pivotal role in various fields, such as biomedicine and environmental detection, due to their exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, stability, rapid response time, user-friendly operation, and ease of miniaturization and integration. In addition to the research conducted in the application field, significant focus is placed on the selection and optimization of electrode interface materials for electrochemical sensors. The detection performance of these sensors can be significantly enhanced by modifying the interface of either inorganic metal electrodes or printed electrodes. Among numerous available modification materials, conductive polymers (CPs) possess not only excellent conductivity exhibited by inorganic conductors but also unique three-dimensional structural characteristics inherent to polymers. This distinctive combination allows CPs to increase active sites during the detection process while providing channels for rapid ion transmission and facilitating efficient electron transfer during reaction processes. This review article primarily highlights recent research progress concerning CPs as an ideal choice for modifying electrochemical sensors owing to their remarkable features that make them well-suited for biomedical and environmental applications.

In the original article [...]

Functional inkjet printing is an emerging manufacturing technology for the production of various planar elements and electronic devices. This technology offers affordable freeform and highly customizable production of thin film micron-scale elements on various substrates. Functional inkjet printing employs various inks based on organic and inorganic materials with diverse functional properties, and among them, conjugated polymers are of particular interest due to their electrical, photophysical, and electrochemical properties. This paper provides an overview of inkjet printing with conjugated (semi)conductive polymers, including the fundamentals of the technology and its scope, limitations, and main challenges. Specific attention is drawn to the synthesis and chemistry of these polymers in connection with the patterning and functional properties of the inks composed thereof. Practical aspects of this technology are also highlighted, namely the manufacturing capabilities of the technology and particular applications for the fabrication of various electronic elements and devices.

Abstract Modifying the metal surface is one solution to the industry’s growing corrosion problem. Thus, via threading approach and insertion of copolymers (CoP5-7) containing polyarylidenes through the internal cavity beta-cyclodextrin β-CD, novel pseudopolyrotaxanes copolymers (PC5-7) are developed, resulting in mild steel corrosion inhibition. Inhibitors of corrosion based on β-CD molecules adsorb strongly to metal surfaces because of their many polar groups, adsorption centers, many linkages of side chains, and benzene rings. The corrosion inhibition efficiencies IE % statistics have been revised via the Tafel polarization method and Spectroscopy based on the electrochemical impedance (EIS), with PC7 achieving the highest 99.93% in 1.0 M H2SO4; they are mixed-type inhibitors. The chemical composition of the resulting PCs is determined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is utilized to examine the morphological structure of the produced polymers, and X-ray diffraction is employed to identify crystallinity. Encapsulating CoP5-7 with β-CD changes the morphological structures and increases the generated PCs' crystallinity. The thermal stability of PCs is studied, indicating the presence of these CoPs within the β-CD cavities enhances their thermal stability. This research will be a stepping stone for developing high-efficiency anti-corrosion coatings and various industrial applications.

The enzymatic glucose sensors as modified by MXene-dPIn and MWCNT-dPIn on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) were investigated. Herein, MXene was molybdenum carbide (Mo3C2) which has never been utilized and reported for glucose sensors. The biopolymer type to support the enzyme immobilization was examined and compared between chitosan (CHI) and κ-carrageenan (κC). MWCNT-dPIn obviously showed a larger electroactive surface area, lower charge transfer resistance and higher redox current than Mo3C2-dPIn, indicating that MWCNT-dPIn is superior to Mo3C2-dPIn. For the chitosan-based sensors, the sensitivity value of CHI-GOD/Mo3C2-dPIn is 3.53 μA mM−1 cm−2 in the linear range of 2.5–10 mM with the calculated LOD of 1.57 mM. The sensitivity value of CHI-GOD/MWCNT-dPIn is 18.85 μA mM−1 cm−2 in the linear range of 0.5–25 mM with the calculated LOD of 0.115 mM. For the κ-carrageenan based sensors, κC-GOD/MWCNT-dPIn exhibits the sensitivity of 15.80 μA mM−1 cm−2 and the widest linear range from 0.1 to 50 mM with the calculated LOD of 0.03 mM. The presently fabricated sensors exhibit excellent reproducibility, good selectivity, high stability, and disposal use. The fabricated glucose sensors are potential as practical glucose sensors as the detectable glucose ranges well cover the glucose levels found in blood, urine, and sweat for both healthy people and diabetic patients.

Abstract With high demands and rapid development of consumer electronics related to the Internet of Things, various methods have been developed to incorporate different indicators or sensors into packaging for inspecting the safety and quality of food products conveniently. Smart packaging technology is an effective method of monitoring the status of packaged food, thus reducing food waste and food‐borne related illnesses. Food quality can be directly detected from volatile compounds associated with food degradation and/or gas content of the modified atmosphere packaging. Flexible gas sensors based on organic/polymer functional materials have been widely explored to detect trace amounts of gases by exploiting their electrical or mechanical properties. This review first discusses the requirements of gas sensors and system integration for smart packaging. Then, the paper reviews recent advances and strategies of flexible organic/polymer‐based gas sensors and system integration for smart packaging applications. Finally, this review summarizes the challenges and opportunities of flexible gas sensors and system integration for smart packaging applications.